BAGLUNG, Jan 17: Libraries in community schools here have boosted the learning capacity of the students. In the past, students weren’t able to obtain extra knowledge that they desired but now, after the establishment of these libraries, their interest in learning has increased.
After getting access to novels, poetry, plays, general knowledge books, biographies, joke books, dictionaries and reference materials, the knowledge of these children have become vaster. [break]
Sujan Bhandari, a sixth grader at Rudre Pipal Secondary School, says that now that the library has been built, students no more have to be deprived of the knowledge that they really want. He further shares that the library helps them learn about various new and different topics. The students of the school are seen in the library even during their breaks. They use their free time better, as when a teacher is absent, or during their holidays, by visiting the library.
Some teachers use the library as a place to give students some practical knowledge while other schools have even designated a period for visiting the library.
Principal Mamata Sharma of Rudre Pipal Secondary School shares that the library has inculcated a habit of reading in the students. “They make full use of the library,” she said. “Their learning capacities have also improved.”
This attraction to libraries amongst students and teachers alike has spread in schools all over the district.
The Gaja Yuwa Club of Baglung and Room to Read have helped build such libraries in 28 village development committees (VDC) of Baglung, including Lekhani, Hatiya, Banapa, Malika, Pala, Bhim Pokhari, Dhamja, Tangram, Bihuwa, Resh, Tityang, Bhakunde, and Raydada.
According to Parmananda Kadel, President of the Gaja Yuwa Club, libraries have been built in 115 schools of the district to aid the learning process of students.
“Initially, we started a pilot project but now we’re expanding rapidly,” Kadel says, adding, “Although the other schools in the district have also demanded for a library in their school, we haven’t been able to fulfill that.”
Tilak Silwal, Department Head of the District Education Office in Baglung, also agrees that there has been improvement in the quality of education after the establishment of libraries.
“Libraries are being used for reference and extra knowledge, and to help in the curriculum. Although not all schools have libraries, this is a positive start for better changes,” he said.
The libraries stay open from 9 am to 5 pm after school hours. Tables have also been placed inside the library room to allow students to study. They have also been taught to rearrange the bookshelves of the library and keep the books in place after using them while students from lower secondary and secondary levels are also allowed to borrow books and take them home. Primary school students happily spend time reading in the library.
Kopil Kunwar, a student from Bhimgithe Higher Secondary School who previously loved to play with his friends during his free time, now visits the school library instead.
“Rather than playing, I find reading books more enjoyable,” says Kunwar who, after getting access to various books from the library, now finds pleasure in reading.
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