Akshar Bharati is an initiative by a few young working professionals to nurture the reading habits in children between age group 5-15 years from underprivileged and remote areas by facilitating access to good non-academic literature. We strongly believe that quality reading develops the wisdom to make appropriate choices as one grows which ultimately enhances the quality of life by becoming better citizens. This is our way of contributing to the India’s Vision 2020 of being a developed and self sufficient nation. Vision
To help achieve India’s Vision 2020 of becoming a developed nation and sustainable growth through development of tomorrow’s citizens by encouraging environment of learning and education. Mission
To equip each underprivileged society across India with a community library that will encourage the habit of reading and self development. Working Model
Akshar Bharati collaborates with local NGOs and schools for setting up the library. NGO/School runs the library on a regular basis & AB provides them the support to run the libraries effectively and ensure it is making the right impact through regular activities, feedback, etc. Akshar Bharati Library
• 800-1000 brand new books per library.
• Separate sets for Primary and Secondary kids.
• Books in local languages and English.
• Types of books: Books for language learning, picture books, moral stories, storybooks, novels, books on science, sports, history, art, competitive exams, biographies, etc.
• Book selection via volunteers, teachers, specialized NGOs and feedback from existing libraries.
• Book set redesigned every 6 months. Volunteers
• 800+ Volunteers from corporates, service industries, schools, colleges, etc. across India.
• Typical volunteer activities -
o Library setup activities including site visits, due diligence, book stamping, etc. o Library support, feedback and checking new requirements. o Road shows, fund raising, awareness events. o Back office activities like web site management, data consolidates, etc. Project Dhruva
Project Dhruva involves various activities at library locations to ensure and measure the appropriate impact of libraries on the kids through volunteer – children engagement and in turn effective influence on overall personality development of kids. This is the platform for children to demonstrate their experience with the books and AB volunteers to share their expertise & experience with next generation. Some of the examples of activities under Project Dhruva are – Essay writing, book reviews, story telling, group reading, skits, spoken English, basics of computers, presentation skills, vedic mathematics, sports, performing arts, etc. Akshar Bharati Funds
Sources
From its establishment AB has raised a fund of Rs. 45,00,000/- through
• Corporate funding
• Volunteer individual contribution
• Road shows
• Fund raising events
Activities our volunteer do at their own expenses –
• Visits to library locations
• All Project Dhruva activities
• Monthly volunteer get-togethers to reflect back, plan for future, exchange ideas, connect to each other and with libraries
• Other overhead costs
All AB books are purchased at 25-35% of discounted price from the publishers. Akshar Bharati Journey
• Started off in April ‘07 & marching towards opening its 200th library by April ‘10.
• 175+ libraries up & running across India.
• 24 Collaborative chapters across 10 companies and growing.
• 50+ local NGOs supporting AB libraries.
• More than 15,000 kids benefited through 1,75,000 books. Call for Joining the Movement
As we try to achieve our vision we need sincere support from you who think alike and share the dreams. No matter whether you are an individual or a business, we provide you with a range of opportunities to contribute including but not limited to:
• Adopt a primary library (Rs. 10,000)
• Adopt a secondary library (Rs. 12,000)
• Adopt a complete library (Rs. 22,000)
• Adopt and start a library at your hometown
• Donate any amount you feel you can
• Help with your skillset and professional expertise
• Help with your products and services (e.g. publishers, printing press, computers, transport, courier, packaging, stationary etc.)
• Join our highly motivated volunteer team and be the part of action
All AB funds are collected in the form of cheques in the name of “Sewa International”. All AB donations are eligible for tax deductible under section 80G. Spreading Joy Through Reading
Contact
Mr. Ganesh Wagaskar
Co-ordinator, Akshar Bharati
Phone: +91-7387772777
Office: Akshar Bharati, A - 202, Mitrangan Society, Baner road, Baner, Pune - 411045
e-mail: [email protected]
website: www.aksharbharati.org
