Crafting Success: “The Entrepreneurship Guide to Paper Pen Making”

Report on the Training Session on:

“Crafting Success: The Entrepreneurship Guide to Paper Pen Making”

Session Details:

• Date: 09th October 2024

• Time: 2:30 PM to 4:30 PM

• Venue: VMA Hall, Classroom, and IEDC Room

• Resource Person: Mr. Paul M. Saju

• Staff Coordinator:

  • Dr. Jibin Jose Mathew, Nodal officer- UCC IEDC, Associate professor, Department of Electronics with Computer Technology and Computer Science.

  • Dr. Anumol Jose, NSS program officer, Associate professor, Department of Botany.

The IEDC (Innovation and Entrepreneurship Development Centre) of UC College in association with Thanalidum and NSS unit no52 successfully organized a hands-on workshop titled “Crafting Success: The Entrepreneurship Guide to Paper Pen Making” on 9th October 2024. The event aimed at promoting sustainable practices and entrepreneurship among students through the creation of eco-friendly paper pens.

Workshop Overview:
The workshop began with a welcome address and an introduction to the importance of sustainable practices in entrepreneurship. Paul M. Saju, the resource person, explained the growing environmental concerns caused by plastic pollution and highlighted the potential of paper pens as a sustainable and entrepreneurial venture.

The training was conducted in a unique step-by-step manner. Initially, Paul M. Saju worked closely with a small group of 6 to 8 students, demonstrating the entire process of making paper pens. These trained students then took on a leadership role, teaching another group of 6 to 8 students in a similar hands-on manner. This cascading method allowed for a more intimate learning experience and fostered peer-to-peer teaching. By the end of the session, several students had crafted their own paper pens, actively participating in the hands-on activity.

Hands-on Learning Experience:
The atmosphere throughout the session was friendly and engaging, as students enjoyed the creative process of making paper pens. The interactive nature of the workshop, combined with the entrepreneurial guidance provided by Mr. Paul M. Saju, made the session both educational and enjoyable. Students felt empowered by learning how to create a product that is not only eco-friendly but also marketable.

Feedback and Suggestions:
Many students expressed their enthusiasm for having more such activities, suggesting that a half-day dedicated to hands-on sustainability-focused entrepreneurial activities be held regularly. Several students proposed an innovative idea: the IEDC could offer a small incentive of ₹2 for each paper pen made by students. These paper pens could then be sold in Thanaleedam Eco Shop and across campus, creating awareness about reducing plastic use whilepromoting entrepreneurship.

The students saw great potential in this project as a learning tool and as a way to cultivate an entrepreneurial mindset that aligns with environmental sustainability. They also expressed interest in expanding this initiative and scaling up the production to benefit both the college community and the local environment.

Next Steps:
Given the success of the session, a follow-up training program has been scheduled for the evening of 14th October 2024. This session will provide further guidance and support to the students who wish to continue their involvement in paper pen production and other sustainable entrepreneurial projects.

The workshop proved to be an excellent way for students to learn valuable skills while contributing to a greener future, aligning perfectly with IEDC’s goals of fostering innovation and sustainability in entrepreneurship.