Library Initium!

The MADgalore Libraries are finally here and what an arrival it has been! The relentless effort and energy spent by the volunteers, the enthusiasm of the children and the support provided by the centre authorities finally paid off. The stage was lit, the balustrades decorated when the curtains finally came down!

The potential in the MAD centres in Mangalore has always been evident. The zeal in the children to learn more was the reason why the Library Project was needed more than ever. Once this was realised, no time was wasted. We spoke to the centre authorities and the library space was allotted at the three centres – Ballikashram, CARDTS and Prajna.

And so began the painting of the walls of the libraries during the last week of October. Every colour added to the walls brightened the moods of the volunteers and the children alike. We wanted to create a new world for the children -a place, where they would begin to appreciate the beauty of English as a language just as they had appreciated the hues in between the various colours on the walls! Thus, all the three libraries were readied, each one exhibiting its difference in its own way.

Library Launch At Prajna

The levelling (categorising based on reading skill) of children was conducted on the days between the 17th and the 20th. It was an experience of a kind!

The levelling was done individually for every child. It was fascinating to see how certain girls could interpret peacocks as ‘navilu’  from one of the reading cards with a lot of action! Even though the levelling went on till late in the evenings leaving us exhausted, it felt completely worth it!

Library  Launch At Baalika

Meanwhile there was quite a excitement at the libraries on the setting up of shelves and books. We had some great sponsors and books provided by Bookwallah and publishers like the Tulika.

 

Library  Launch At Baalika

 

And then came the big day – 20th November, 2011. 

Library  Launch At CARDTS

 

Once the training was wrapped up, the volunteers headed to the different MAD centres for the Library Launch that was scheduled at 5 p.m. at all the three centres. So arrived the dignataries, welcome speeches were given, a cute skit was performed at CARDTS, a great thanks-giving speech was given by one of our Ballika girls, Geethanjali , the dignitaries had quite a few kind words for MAD’s – the day was, at the same time overwhelming and inspiring.

20th of November, 2011 – Mark that date! That’s when Mangalore’s libraries were inaugurated for good!

Library Launch At CARDTS

If I could quote Ms. Obama (more or less, this IS the quote. Or at least, what it is supposed to mean) – When work gets a little hard at times and when we wonder where all our efforts will take us, all we need to do is look at the children and replete our energy and purpose. We know we are working for their betterment, which drives us forward with hope in our hearts!