Reading spaces with hundreds of books will soon be set up in tribal hamlets in the district. Students of the History Department of Government College for Women, Vazhuthacaud, have joined hands with Kanal, a youth organisation, to launch Ezhutthani, a book fund campaign, for starting these libraries.
The students have collected over 2,500 books in 10 days to introduce tribal children to the world of reading and its endless possibilities. The books, old and new, were collected from students and teachers, in a box under a raintree on the college campus, and well-wishers. The libraries in the hamlets will stock books that are suited to the children there and will be completely manned by the children. The initiative is expected to ease difficulty in accessing education for tribespeople.
To make real difference to the children’s lives, the students also plan to provide them academic support, by organising classes for them and aiding their overall development as part of a long-term initiative to bring them into the mainstream and enable them to voice their demands.
Kanal has already opened four such libraries — three at Attappady and one at Kavungal in Vettikavala, Kollam district.
Anson P.D. Alexander, president of Kanal, said Vettikavala was one of the places that figured in a report on vulnerability mapping conducted by the State government in 28 panchayats. The library there was started in association with Kudumbasree, and was managed by children and young adults up to the age of 20. They were free to use the books as they pleased — draw in them, cut out pictures, or tear them out, and keep them for as long as they wish. “We didn’t want them to use the books with any restrictions so as to increase access to the books.”
Over time, it was seen that the libraries turned into cultural spaces. Awareness drives through direct interactions, health surveys, and other interventions required by the people were made. In Wayanad, a reduction in the number of child marriages was observed following such interventions. Opportunities were given to the tribal people to organise programmes and develop leadership skills, Mr. Anson said.
With the opening of the reading corners in settlements in the district, similar gains were sought to be emulated here, especially on a long-term basis, he said.
Deputy Mayor Rakhi Ravikumar will inaugurate the function at the college auditorium at 10 a.m. on Monday.
Subcollector Divya S. Iyer will deliver a message on contribution of youth to social change. DCP Jaidev will hand over the books. Poet Sugathakumari will be honoured on the occasion.
