“Laugh and Learn”at Bal Ashram
At Bal Ashram, Jaipur, Rajasthan, the Matilda Banes “Laugh and Learn” library is under construction, funded by Mr. Stainely Baines of Scotland and coordinated by Bachpan Bachao Andolan. It will feature books for children at Bal Ashram as well as for villagers. It would also serve as a resource center and would provide computer facilities for researchers who would want to stay at Bal Ashram and make field trips to the neighbouring villages. The library would not only cater to the knowledge needs of the children but also have a collection of research material on child labour. It would also include computer learning material.
The Purpose of the Library:-
- To promote reading as a life-long activity for children undergoing rehabilitation at Bal Ashram as well as the neighbouring villages.
- To undertake activities which will help develop self-esteem, self-worth and creativity among the children.
- The library would further provide an opportunity to work in cooperation with the community to turn the villagers into future library users who enjoy books.
- Provide arts and crafts supplies, learning games, and a wide section of books for children.
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Some reactions on the prospective library
Amarlal, Former Stone Quarry Worker, said “I am glad that we will have a library in Bal Ashram. It would be awesome to have a big library with many books in Bal Ashram.”
Sumedha Kailash, Director of Bal Ashram said “The library was badly needed. It will not only help children of Bal Ashram, but the surrounding villages too.” |
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Through the library, Bal Ashram hopes to make a difference in the lives of the children. The library will enrich the lives of children and help in enhancing their knowledge. Interaction with books in the library will gradually unfold and augment their personalities. Reading will help children in improving their vocabulary, language and listening skills and will advance their creativity and imagination. The children will also discover that reading can be fun when they will act out the stories and draw pictures from the books. Donning their creative hats would provide children with wonderful and stimulating experiences.
Before the construction of the library some attempts had been made by the Bal Ashram staff in this direction. However there was no far reaching, systematic method to engage children to sit at one place and read. The library initiative is based on the belief that child has the fundamental right to education and through this effort the former victims of child servitude, who had been denied their basic rights would have easy access to books in the library and thus grow holistically.
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