Vadakara: Nearly five lakh books will fill some 6,000 classrooms in 570 schools in the Vadakara educational district as the district makes a giant leap in efforts to promote reading. What is remarkable is that the books were collected by students directly from several houses for the programme, 'A library in each classroom.'
Vadakara DEO C Manoj Kumar leads the programme, which has drawn support from the Scouts and Guides, literacy workers, school PTA committees and voluntary organisations.
All schools have one library each, but one each in every classroom is a rarity. The proposal received a huge support from teachers at the initial stage itself, bringing out 1.5 lakh students into the project immediately. The funds from Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan and the PTA have helped in getting book shelves in classrooms.
Fifty books were the target for a single classroom, but the collection has exceeded targets and has made available up to 100. The students haven't lost study time for collection of books.
Kumar said reference books, dictionaries, atlas and regional history are subjects of preference. Teachers in charge were trained for the project.
“It is expected that the libraries will be ready by November first week in all schools,” the official said. The keen interest that the students have shown in collecting books has prompted people to donate without inhibition.
The organisers are hoping that the education minister himself would be available for the launch.
