“We carried out a pilot project in 2009, through which we collected 1,000 books from 100 different celebrities of Nepal and donated one book to each child as a gift,” shares Bohara who, during his visits to his home in Dolpa, used to collect books and deliver them to children there. “Euta Kitab Literacy Campaign is a larger extension of what I used to do,” he adds.[break]
Shiksha Nepal has thus mobilized teams both in Nepal as well as in countries like the UK, USA, Canada and Russia to meet its target. It is calling out for donations of children’s books suitable for children up to age 15, preferably in Nepali language. “We are being specific about the types of books we want,” explains Bohara, in order to make sure that the children who will receive them will be able to get maximum benefit from them. Donations in terms of money are also entertained. As less as Rs 60 is required to buy a simple Nepali children’s book.Once the children finish reading the book, the books will be collected to form a library in the school.
The patrons of this campaign are Anil Keshari Shah, CEO of Mega Bank and Captain Vijay Lama while Dr Sameer Mani Dixit, Yagya Bikram Shahi from United Nations Human Rights (UNHCR) and Charu Chadha, Editor of WOW magazine are advisors for the campaign. Actors Namarata Shrestha and Karma were announced brand ambassadors during the event.
Speaking at the event,, both the brand ambassadors expressed their commitment to the project. “When I got this proposal, I couldn’t say ‘no’, because this was a cause for children and when it’s about children, I am always up for the cause,” shared Shrestha.
Patron Shah praised the Shiksha Nepal team for their commitment and encouraged everyone to help in any way they can. “These young people are giving two years of their lives to help these children. All we have to do is spend 15 minutes to donate a book and support the team as well as the children from these remote places,” said Shah. Talking about the importance of establishing a reading culture for all children, he added “A book is a window to the world and a tool that builds aspirations.”
To donate, call 4784975 or send an email to program@shikshanepal.com
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