It is not every day that Class V student Shubho Halder sees so many books of different genres in one room. It was a little daunting at first.
Now, at the sprawling libraries of Mahadevi Birla World Academy, he enjoys stories from Vikram and the Vampire, a translation from the original fantasy tale Bikram aur Betal, and many others. He has also made some new friends.
Shubho is one of the many first-generation learners of NGO Calcutta Social Project who has access to the libraries of the school. Every week, students of the school also look forward to reading out to their friends like Shubho.
The school has partnered with three NGOs — Calcutta Social Project, Park Junior and EkTara — for this initiative. Around 15 to 18 children from the NGOs come to the school’s library to get a taste of fiction and literature. The aim is to instil values such as empathy, love and respect in the academy students, besides encouraging all to read.
Hibah Ahmed of Class III reads out a story to a student of Calcutta Social Project
The tie-up with the Calcutta Social Project is from before the pandemic. Since this June, its children drop in at the school thrice a month for a reading session with Classes III-V. Park Junior and EkTara have been recently inducted
“I enjoy exploring the library. I have also made new friends and look forward to coming back here,” said Subho.
The same children get to attend these sessions every month, so that the school can track their development. For most, getting to read or hear a story is also a first. They are introduced to a variety of books from all genres. The interaction that follows is often the most fun part.
“These sessions are immersive. The students are made to see the other end of the spectrum. This is the most nascent form of inclusion that we provide to our students from the very beginning. They get to see whom they are reading to and learn from them, thus understanding the value of inclusive learning and of all that they have,” said vice-principal Nupur Ghosh.
