School Extension Activity Builds Creative Skills at Tharuvaikulam

Report on School Extension Activity

The Department of Fashion Technology, Kamaraj Women’s College, Thoothukudi, organized a School Extension Activity at Government Higher Secondary School, Tharuvaikulam, on 21 August 2026 at 10.30 a.m. The programme formed part of the department’s community outreach initiatives and focused on sharing practical knowledge with school students.

A team of 13 students from the Department of Fashion Technology conducted hands-on sessions in basic makeup and personal grooming, nail art, Mehendi designing and pencil stroke drawing. Through these activities, the school students explored simple creative skills that they can develop through regular practice.

Objectives of the Programme

The School Extension Activity focused on the following objectives:

• Introduce school students to creative and practical skills
• Provide hands-on learning opportunities
• Develop creativity and artistic abilities
• Create awareness about useful vocational skills
• Improve confidence and hand coordination
• Encourage skill-based learning among school students
• Promote knowledge sharing between college and school students
• Strengthen community outreach by the department

Thus, the programme combined creativity, practical learning and community engagement in an interactive setting.

Interaction with School Students

The programme began with an introduction to the planned activities. Following this, the college students interacted with the school students and explained the importance of creativity, personal grooming, artistic ability and skill-based learning.

The college students first demonstrated each activity and then encouraged the school students to practise the techniques themselves. As a result, the sessions provided direct learning experience rather than relying only on explanations.

Moreover, the friendly interaction encouraged the school students to participate confidently and ask questions during the demonstrations.

Basic Makeup and Personal Grooming

The first practical session focused on Basic Makeup and Personal Grooming.

The Fashion Technology students explained the importance of maintaining a clean and neat appearance. They also introduced the school students to basic makeup products and explained their common uses.

In addition, the session created awareness about appropriate personal grooming practices. The students learned that grooming involves cleanliness, presentation and self-care rather than makeup alone.

Creative Nail Art

The Nail Art session encouraged the school students to explore their creativity through simple designs and patterns.

The college students demonstrated basic techniques and explained the steps involved in creating attractive nail art. Afterwards, the school students had an opportunity to observe and practise the techniques.

Furthermore, the activity encouraged attention to detail, creativity and hand coordination. It also introduced students to nail art as a creative skill that can be developed further with regular practice.

Mehendi Designing

Another engaging part of the School Extension Activity was the practical session on Mehendi Designing.

The Fashion Technology students introduced basic Mehendi application techniques and demonstrated simple decorative designs. They showed the school students how to create patterns using:

• Lines
• Dots
• Curves
• Leaves
• Flowers
• Simple traditional motifs

The hands-on approach made the session interesting and easy to follow. Moreover, the activity encouraged patience, creativity and precision among the participants.

Pencil Stroke Drawing and Shading

The programme also included a session on Pencil Stroke Drawing to introduce students to the fundamentals of drawing and shading.

The college students demonstrated different types of pencil strokes and explained how changes in pressure, direction and movement can produce different visual effects.

The participants also learned basic shading techniques. Consequently, the session helped them understand how simple pencil techniques can add depth, texture and detail to drawings.

The activity encouraged concentration, observation and artistic expression among the school students.

Hands-On Skill Development

Practical participation formed an important part of the programme. Instead of simply observing the demonstrations, the school students actively explored the techniques introduced during the sessions.

The four activities covered different areas of creative learning:

• Basic Makeup and Personal Grooming
• Creative Nail Art
• Basic Mehendi Designing
• Pencil Stroke Drawing and Shading

Therefore, the programme allowed students with different interests to discover and develop their creative abilities.

Learning Experience for College Students

The extension activity also provided valuable experience to the 13 Fashion Technology students who conducted the sessions.

By demonstrating techniques and interacting with school students, they strengthened their own communication, presentation, leadership and teaching skills. Furthermore, they learned how to explain practical concepts in a simple and understandable manner.

The activity also encouraged them to use their subject knowledge for the benefit of the wider community.

Programme Outcomes

The School Extension Activity successfully provided school students with practical exposure to several creative skills.

Through the programme, the participants were able to:

• Learn basic personal grooming practices
• Explore simple nail art techniques
• Understand basic Mehendi application
• Practise pencil strokes and shading
• Develop creativity and artistic interest
• Improve concentration and hand coordination
• Gain confidence through practical participation
• Understand the value of skill-based and vocational learning

At the same time, the programme strengthened knowledge sharing between the college and school communities.

Community Outreach and College-School Interaction

The programme served as a meaningful community outreach initiative of the Department of Fashion Technology.

The school authorities and students appreciated the initiative and the efforts of the college students in conducting the practical sessions. Moreover, the interaction helped strengthen the relationship between Kamaraj Women’s College and Government Higher Secondary School, Tharuvaikulam.

Such extension activities provide college students with opportunities to share their skills while giving school students exposure to new areas of learning.

Conclusion

Overall, the School Extension Activity organized by the Department of Fashion Technology proved to be an engaging and useful skill-development initiative.

The practical sessions on basic makeup, personal grooming, nail art, Mehendi designing and pencil stroke drawing encouraged the school students to explore their creativity and develop new skills. Meanwhile, the 13 participating college students gained valuable experience in communication, demonstration and community engagement.

The programme concluded with a note of thanks to the school management, teachers, school students and the Department of Fashion Technology for their cooperation and active participation.

Most importantly, the activity successfully combined creative learning, vocational awareness, knowledge sharing and social responsibility, while strengthening the connection between the college and the local school community.