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First generation learners face many impediments to education. Though their parents have a strong interest
in sending them to local municipal schools, they are unable to provide any additional learning aids.
At the Door Step School reference libraries we supplement parental motivation with learning resources
such as study classes, a library and computers.
Facilities
We have 3 facilities in Pune and Mumbai. We have shelves, desks and cabinets in rooms that act as libraries.
Blackboards and notice boards have been added and maps adorn the walls. In at least one location we have
computers. Our effort is to create a fun educational environment where children want to come and learn.
Activities
1. Study Classes
Teachers employed from the local community help primary school children master the basics of reading,
writing and arithmetic.
2. Children's Library
Our library has storybooks and picture books to engage and stimulate small children who do not have
access to such materials at home.
3. Reference Library
Workbooks, guides, sets of question papers, dictionaries, and maps that are not easily accessible
to older children are available at our library. The librarian on duty guides them when needed. Our center is also a refuge where kids can study in a quiet environment.
4. Computer Center
Children have access to 5 computers in this facility that supplement the meager time they get on
computers at school. We see this as a great way to get kids excited about learning and a powerful tool
to implement flexible learning programs catered to children at every skill level.
The Future
The number of children making use of these facilities is the success of this project. This has energized us
into expanding the scope of reference libraries. In various locations we plan to:
Create separate areas for the self-study group so that they are not disturbed by the other activities.
Add computers to facilities and an Internet connection to one facility that already has computers. This
will enable children as well as teachers to access the wide range of educational assets on the web.
Acquire audio/video equipment to screen educational programs.
Add an outdoor area where children can play and activities like gardening can be introduced to create
awareness about the nature and environment.
We are always open to new ideas that will diversify education and help reach out to more children.
Support
We started the reference libraries in Mumbai and Pune without any financial supporter,
recognizing a great need to provide children with books and a place to study.
Today, we have overcome the crippling issue of
having access to a permanent space in at least one facility with funds from donors.
With your continued support we hope to get permanent space to run our libraries
and equip them with teaching aids. Currently, we
run this project with funds from individual donors.
The annual budget of reference libraries is approximately $5000. Initial costs
for
equipment, including furniture, teaching aids and computers is approximately
$6000. |
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Door Step School takes books, and with it imagination and creativity, to young students at municipal
schools who have little or no access to books during regular academic classes. This service is offered
with the objective of improving reading skills and ultimately children's academic performance.
Facilities
A library class was introduced for 1-2 hours daily in the primary section of 12 municipal
back in 1999. Today, we have 14 such libraries in schools in Mumbai and Pune. Approximately 5,000
children have access to books through our school library program.
Since we face a major difficulty in finding suitable Marathi books for children with lower levels of
reading ability, we have published our own books, which are used in our libraries. Beginners need books
with simple words, bold letters with minimum or no composite letter words. This year we have published
nearly 25 such small and simple books. We have also prepared a Marathi dictionary for our children.
The dictionary contains all the words in the books.
Activities
1. Reading
We carry a variety of books to classroom each day. Children get their own choice of
storybooks and other interesting books during their 'reading class'.
2. Book Fairies
Trained fairies read stories with props such as puppets to children. Fairies also
distribute books, and maintain library records. They also give children a little guidance in selecting a
book and help them to read if they stumble on words.
3. In addition we have a variety of activities aimed at improving children’s vocabulary, reading skills,
and power of expression through words.
a. Wall Paper Exhibits: Children contribute songs, stories, poems and pictures to Wall Papers (like charts),
which are displayed in classrooms. Some children even take editorial roles in this exercise.
b. Word Puzzles: Children get to solve word puzzles that stimulate reading and improve vocabulary.
c. Prize Distribution: Children who read the highest number of books receive prizes. The best fairies
and supervisors also receive medals of honor.
The Future
Over the few years we have put this project in place the reading skills of children has improved
significantly We would like to expand this program to more schools. In the future we would like to:
Expand the program to more schools
Publish more of our small simple books and improve their quality by including pictures and colors.
Support
Much of the funding for our school libraries comes from ASMAE, a French funding organization with an
office in Pune and Bombay Community Public Trust, Mumbai.
The annual budget of this project is approximately $10,000 with an initial cost of purchasing books of $800.
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To meet children where they reside is the motivation behind running community libraries. We spread the
love of reading in several communities.
Facilities
A volunteer, equipped with a box containing 100 books and register visits each community thrice a week.
In 2002 close to 1300 books were circulated among 542 members. We have close to 15
functioning libraries at any given time.
Activities
Children come and borrow books from these mobile community libraries. They pay a nominal monthly fee of
Rs. 1. In some communities door-to-door libraries are run by volunteers who receive Rs. 9 per reader.
The Future
We would like to expand this project to various other communities.
We also plan to bring this mobile library to adults, especially women in communities.
Support
Welingkar Trust in Pune has been our sponsor and supporter for several years.
The annual budget of this project is approximately $500 with an initially incurred cost for books of about $100.
How you can help.
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