Library Outreach
On our request and recommendations, Angelique Foundation supplied books and library racks for 2 schools and 3 community libraries this January.
The libraries are to be housed and operated by a village volunteer out of their homes or in the closest government school in villages around Seem, from where children may find it difficult to come to our library on a regular basis.
Of these, two such libraries have started in village Byasi and the Government Primary School in Dhona since February, and the feedback so far has been very positive!
Two schools in the area – Govt. High School, Bajeri and Greenfield School, Siltona have been supplied a set of books each, with assurances of more assistance based on the success of their libraries.
Jaya will be coordinating the effort by training and overseeing the volunteers. We hope this initiative takes root and can then be extended over many more villages and schools.
Library at Greenfield School, Siltona
Govt. Primary School, Dhona
Govt. HIGH School, BAJERI
Community Library in village Byasi
Road roller FUN!
What a fun way to celebrate the arrival of a road roller for repairs to the village road!! On 22nd February, the children were pleasantly surprised to see a huge machine parked outside the library premises. While they were all very keen to climb it and act all grown-up, they were also scared of any repercussions. It was a great thrill to be permitted to climb atop the roller, “drive it!” and be photographed on it!
But – that’s where the fun ended, and Didi asked them to now draw the road roller and give it a fun name – what’s more, the most hilarious and innovative names would be given prizes!
It was great seeing the kids study and sketch the roller and even more fun reading what they thought about it!
Serious artist at work! 
Atop to roller!
Career CounseLling
On 27th February 2019, a session on career counseling was arranged under the aegis of the Outreach Programme, Career Counselling Cell, Kumaun University, Nainital. Led by Dr Mahesh Arya, the team spoke to the children of Classes 10 and above about the various courses they could pursue based on their interest and choice of careers. They also informed the kids of various scholarships instituted by different organizations that they could avail of, if required. A document listing the scholarships was made available for ease of reference in the library.
Some of the children also asked questions about the courses available in Kumaun University, Nainital and were informed about the choices and admissions procedure.
HOLI HAI (THI)!
This year, Holi celebrations for the children and women were combined. So the kids, ‘ijas’ (mothers), ‘aamas’ (grandmothers) and ‘bhaujis’ (bhabis) gathered in the library with great enthusiasm and sang and danced together. The children participated in the singing while the women sang traditional Kumaoni songs and danced the Kumaoni jhora with a lot of fun and gaiety. As usual, traditional ‘gujiyas’, savouries and tea helped uplift the physical tiredness after a fun-filled day!
A VERY SPECIAL NOTE
Dear subscribers and readers,
We really appreciate your comments on our activities and updates. Thank you very much and please keep them coming to make us more effective!
One reader has requested for more frequent updates. Unfortunately, we are pretty challenged on the documentation front (!!), but we shall definitely try to be more prompt. In the meanwhile, we have decided to publish an update each quarter.
See you again then with another update on 30th June.
Your work is quite simply wonderful! You are dreaming up new and interesting ways to educate children and make a positive difference in the community. I loved the idea of drawing pictures of the road roller . Here’s more power to your elbow!
Great Work in Remote Area.You both are Symbol of Hope for these people.
Congratulations!!!