Jr. Kalam Project

The issue we are trying to address is lack of infrastructure for libraries in schools. Students have no access to age-appropriate non-academic literature. There are no focused efforts by the schools to inculcate and nurture reading habit in students. Schools don't even have a proper management system to handle libraries. We visited many schools and found that the library infrastructure problem was consistent through all of them. We work in rural areas where communication problems are very much apparent. What we are trying to do is to set up a proper library system so that students get to read books which don't form a part of their syllabus. Establishing a culture of reading shall ensure that the children have more possibilities for exploring. Reading good books also leads to knowledge enrichment in children as well as adults. Involvement of library volunteers from the communities includes benefits for volunteers in terms of enhancing their confidence, skills, and levels of employability. By providing libraries they have lots of books to read to inculcate the reading habit. These books help them to enrich their vocabulary as well as knowledge.

Akshar Bharati team identifies the schools which need libraries the most. We raise funds through corporate and individual donors and purchase new sets of books for the selected schools. At the same time, we also train teachers and students on basic library management. We plan periodic visits to these schools to ensure the effective utilization of the library. We conduct values added activity for students who are active readers. Every Akshar Bharati Kendra covers around 10-15 schools in an area. There is also an AB Club for every class in the school.

Considering an average of 12 schools in one Kendra, the total number of clubs will be approximately 50.

Considering an average of 40 students per class/club, the total number of students (beneficiaries) in that Kendra will be approximately 2000.

Reading as a habit is integral to the cultural and social development of a society. Akshar Bharati library has proven to be a central point for all kinds of reading, access to information, knowledge building, deep thinking, and lively discussions. We have received quite positive responses to these initiatives. Most of the schools in the project area are now a part of Akshar Bharati Reading clubs where we can see book lovers come together to share there thoughts and views on literature.