Make a Wish – Community Library Initiative in Koppal
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100
Books Goal -
100
Books Received -
0
Days to go
Know more about us
Who we are
Visthar, founded in 1989, is a secular Civil Society Organization dedicated to advancing social justice and peace by addressing the multifaceted impacts of social inequalities on individual and community well-being. Its work highlights how gender discrimination, social exclusion, and poverty creates marginalisation. In addition to its broad social justice initiatives, Visthar provides educational opportunities for students from marginalised communities in the rural parts of Karnataka, aiming to bridge educational gaps and promote greater equity. By focusing on these critical issues and supporting education, Visthar demonstrates the role of civil society in promoting inclusivity and empowering marginalised communities. This approach offers valuable insights into practical strategies for combating social inequities and fostering holistic community development, serving as a model for effectively addressing complex social challenges.
Our work and its impact
Visthar is dedicated to addressing educational and social inequalities in North Karnataka through its integrated initiatives, including Samagara Shikshana Shale (SSS) and Bandhavi. Established in 2013-14, SSS operates at Visthar’s Koppal campus, providing primary education up to class 5 for children from nearby villages. The school fosters self-confidence, creativity, and leadership while promoting social and ecological values. Bandhavi, launched in 2005, supports marginalised children, particularly girls from Devadasi communities, by offering residential care, nutritious food, health care, and life skills education. This project collaborates with NGOs, community-based organisations, and government bodies to tackle gender discrimination and social exclusion using a rights-based approach. The Child Rights Education and Action (CREA) program, initiated in 2010, organises over 6,000 children into 200 Sanghas across 35 Panchayats to advocate for their rights to food, education, and protection from violence. Achievements include halting over 50 child marriages, rescuing 4,000 child labourers, and declaring 40 villages as Child Labour Free Zones. Through these combined efforts, Visthar aims to promote social equity and enhance the well-being and rights of vulnerable children.
How we will utilise these books
The storybooks from Pratham Books will play a vital role in our Koppal projects, benefiting students of varying age groups across the region. It is designed to inspire imagination and enhance creative skills, catering to different reading levels. For example, a 9th-grade student who may currently read at a basic level will still find the book valuable, as it addresses the scarcity of diverse reading materials. The book's engaging content, featuring a rich array of colourful stories, offers an opportunity for all children to explore new ideas and perspectives, regardless of their reading proficiency. This exposure is crucial in fostering a love for reading and learning, particularly in environments where resources are limited. Additionally, the book will be accessible to many children in the village through our community-based projects located in various parts of the village. This widespread availability ensures that more children can benefit from the book’s stimulating content, helping to bridge gaps in literacy and imagination and providing a valuable resource that can ignite curiosity and intellectual growth across the entire community.
Supporters
| Nishi Narayanan | ₹3,750 |
| Anonymous | ₹1,500 |
| Chandrika Vijaykumar | ₹375 |
| Chandrika S | ₹375 |
| Usha K | ₹1,500 |
| Name | Donate Amount | Date |
|---|---|---|
| Nishi Narayanan | ₹3,750 | August 26, 2024 |
| Sangita Pakala | ₹1,500 | August 25, 2024 |
| Chandrika Vijaykumar | ₹375 | August 25, 2024 |
| Chandrika S | ₹375 | August 25, 2024 |
| Usha K | ₹1,500 | August 25, 2024 |