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filler@godaddy.com
District Saharanpur, U.P.
In Partnership with Vidya Gyan
- We're excited to launch our first two pilot libraries of this partnership: accessible and engaging school libraries in underserved schools in Saharanpur, U.P. These libraries will provide a diverse collection of books and magazines, creating a stimulating environment for over 500 students to develop literacy and a lifelong passion for learning.
- We plan to fundraise throughout November and December, hoping to raise $6000, so we can complete installations by early 2025.
Key objectives:
- Improve literacy rates by 20% within the first year among the student body
- Foster more curiosity among students about contemporary literature outside school curriculum.
Leadership Team
Shaunya Kumar, RLE FOUNDER
AMit Gupta, Vidya GyanSecretary
Contact: shaunya@ruralliteracyempowerment.org
VIjendra Agarwa, Vidya GyanCo-Founder & President
VIjendra Agarwa, Vidya GyanCo-Founder & President
Contact: vidyagyan2014@gmail.com
Collaborations and sponsors
Books and Authors
We’re excited to bring in an array of books spanning various genres, authors, and languages (English, Hindi, and Marathi) that are culturally enriching and relevant in today's contemporary world.
- Madhuri Purandare (HI/MR); Grades K–4 – Includes Laloo the Cat and Kikinak
- The Cat in the Ghat by Ambika Rao (EN/HI/MR)
- Sandhya Rao (EN/HI/MR); Grades K–5 – Includes My Mother’s Sari and Ekki Dokki
- Aunsha Ravishankar (EN/HI/MR); Grades K–4
- Ashok Rajagopalan (EN/HI/MR); Grades Pre-K–2
- 101 Indian Children’s Books We Love! (MR); Grades Pre-K–5
- Devdutt Pattanaik’s Children’s Books; Grades 1–4
- Arefa Tehsin (EN/HI/MR); Grades K–3 – Includes The Globetrotters and Do Tigers Drink Blood?
- Very Hungry Caterpillar by Eric Carle (EN/HI)
- My First Sudha Murty Collection: A Set of 4 Chapter Books (EN/HI); Grades K–4
- Nandini Nayar (EN/HI/MR); Grades Pre-K–9 – Includes The White Elephant of Cleanliness and When Amma Went to School
- Sudha Murty (EN/HI/MR); Grades K–9
- Nilima Sinha (EN/HI/MR); Grades 1–6 – Includes Hamirpur ke Khandahar and The Chandipur Jewels
- Festival Stories: Through the Year by Rachna Chhabria (EN/HI/KA); Grades 4–5
- Uncle Moon for Sale by Rachna Gilmore (EN/HI/MR); Grades 4–5
- The Unboy Boy by Richa Jha (EN/HI/MR); Grades 4–5
- The Namesake by Jhumpa Lahiri (EN/HI/MR); Grades 7–9
- Amal Unbound by Aisha Saeed (EN/HI); Grades 8-9
- The God of Small Things by Arundhati Roy (EN/HI/MR); Grade 9
- Interpreter of Maladies by Jhumpa Lahiri (EN/HI/MR); Grade 9
- If we exceed our funding goals, we are looking into more novels here
Magazine SUbscriptions
- Chandamama (EN/HI/MR) - A popular Indian children's magazine featuring stories, folklore, and moral tales.
- Magic Pot (EN/H/MRI) - An educational and fun magazine for young readers, with stories, puzzles, and activities.
- National Geographic Kids (EN) - A magazine that introduces children to the wonders of science, nature, and world cultures.
- Young Scientist (EN) - A magazine that makes science fun and accessible for young learners.
- RobinAge (EN) - An Indian children's newspaper that covers current events, stories, and educational articles.
- BBC Knowledge (EN) - A magazine that covers a wide range of topics, including science, history, and nature, tailored for young readers.
- Tell Me Why (EN) - A magazine that answers curious questions about science, history, and technology.
- Reader's Digest (EN/HI) - Offers a variety of articles, including inspiring stories, humor, and practical advice.
- The Week Junior (EN) - A news magazine aimed at children, providing current events, history, and fun facts.
- Amar Chitra Katha (EN/HI/MR) - Comic books and magazines that bring Indian mythology, history, and folklore to life.
We're open to recommendations as well. Let us know your thoughts by reaching out!
Thank you to author Nina Hamza for supporting us!
Her two novels will be featured at both our pilot schools. Learn more about her here!
Shout out to donors Gerry and Dave!!
Pictured: Dave and Shaunya
Gerry Spry and Dave Foy are huge leaders at Shishu Mandir, an NGO school in Bangalore, India that recruits students from marginalized communities and provides them a holistically challenging education. They're sponsor parents for several students at the institute, along with teaching their full-time and running the sister nonprofit Friends of Shishu Mandir in America.
I had the incredible opportunity to connect with them and learn about philanthropic initiatives. I'm also immensely grateful for their support and advice for Rural Literacy Empowerment, including their donations to this project. RLE's looking forward to continue working with them!