Stories Beyond the Mangroves: Bringing Diverse Storybooks to Children in Rural Sundarbans
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300
Books Goal -
135
Books Received -
0
Days to go
Who we are
Centre for Integrated Development Practices (CIDP) is a West Bengal-based non-profit learning organization, registered under the Indian Trusts Act of 1882. Since 2021, CIDP has been working to improve education in rural areas, with a special focus on library-based learning and free access to information.
Aligned with UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 1–4 and Goal 16—particularly Target 16.10, CIDP runs its flagship initiative, Bodhipeeth, a community-managed library model. To date, it has established 12 libraries in public schools, shelter homes, salons, and village residences, along with three Mobile Library Vans that reach remote corners of the region.
Our core programs include:
- Bodhipeeth Library – Community, school, and mobile libraries that promote reading and access to knowledge.
- Jagajyoti Ghosh Memorial Scholarship – Monthly Direct Benefit Transfers (DBT) to support higher education for underprivileged students.
- Talent Search & Scholarship Exam – An annual merit-cum-means scholarship program benefiting over 400 students.
- Jai Hind Patshala – After-school learning support offered in partnership with the Jai Hind Patshala Foundation.
Our work and its impact
Through Bodhipeeth Library, CIDP fosters a culture of reading among children and youth in rural India. We partner with non-profits, private, and government schools to set up libraries, hold weekly library classes, and conduct engaging workshops for students and parents to promote reading for pleasure.
In underserved areas where access to books and information is limited, these libraries act as vital hubs of learning. They offer children the opportunity to explore the world through stories—enhancing their vocabulary, cognitive skills, empathy, and academic performance.
To keep libraries active and sustainable, we emphasize community ownership and participation. However, government schools often face resource constraints. That’s why we launched the “Book on Birthday” initiative—inviting parents and children to donate a book on birthdays. This beautiful gesture not only builds the library collection but also deepens parental involvement and turns every birthday into a celebration of learning.
How we will utilise these books
The primary objective of this fundraiser is to establish a modest library with 300 storybooks from Pratham Books in a primary school located in rural Sundarbans, West Bengal, and to integrate weekly library classes into the school’s regular routine. In addition, the initiative will emphasize pre- and post-assessments of students’ reading habits and track measurable outcomes such as vocabulary expansion, cognitive development, and empathy. We aim to create a joyful and inclusive reading space where children can access a world of stories.
Supporters
| Anonymous | ₹10,000 |
| Mayuresh & Shilpa | ₹1,500 |
| Name | Donate Amount | Date |
|---|---|---|
| SUBRATA HALDER | ₹10,000 | August 29, 2025 |
| ₹1,500 | July 22, 2025 |