CAIRN Libraries
Background
In the Western world, school libraries for taken for granted.
However, in rural Nepal, where children’s books and education are still considered luxury items, school libraries are a rarity. The few books that are available are often locked away for safe keeping or inappropriate.
Teachers lack the expertise and resources to teach and establish libraries. As a result, students’ sole method of learning is dictation or chalkboard notes, with often inaccurate notes being written down.
Libraries can open doors to the joys of reading and the wonder of learning beyond the classroom.
What is The CAIRN Trust doing?
The CAIRN Trust will increase children’s access to and usage of books by constructing, equipping and supporting libraries as an essential element of rural educational development.
We will work in partnership with the rural communities who will commit to the libraries either through donation of land or a school room, provision of labour to construct the library, librarian salaries or resource funding.
The libraries will be equipped with age and grade appropriate Nepali and English language books, including atlases, dictionaries, reference books, fiction and non-fiction and early readers. They will be a child friendly environment where students are inspired to read, as well as having access to puzzles, magazines, posters and other fun educational materials.
Key to the success of the libraries will be the training and development of the librarians on how to maximise use of and maintain the facilities. This training will include establishing a monitoring system for the libraries and methods for encouraging teachers and pupils to use the library and its resources
The libraries will provide students with a variety of different experiences:
- The first opportunity to touch a book.
- The key to learning to read.
- The gateway to increased knowledge of their world and beyond.
- The resources required in a quiet reading environment within the schools where students can study for success in the School Leaving Certificate.
The libraries will also be an area for teachers to nurture their own intellectual curiosity.
Future Plans
The CAIRN Trust aims to construct five libraries each year of varying shapes and sizes into all its existing schools and into all new schools.
The first library will be opening in Pasgaun before Christmas. Our first two librarians started their training at the beginning of November and the library books have started their journey to the hills. We look forward to sharing photos of this with you in our next update.
