Swets sponsors a new classroom library at Indian Primary School through educational charity, Room To Read

Completed project provides new library and reading materials at Government Primary School Nathu Khadi in India’s Uttarakhand province.

Leiden,
The Netherlands,
August 20, 2014.

Swets Information Services, a global organization committed to improving the delivery and use of knowledge worldwide, and the charity Room to Read are delighted to announce the completion of the first joint project funded by donations from Swets; namely the creation of a new classroom library at the Government Primary School Nathu Khadi in India’s Uttarakhand province. The library provides facilities for over 100 pupils, aged between 6 and 11, and their four teachers.

Room to Read is a global organization seeking to transform the lives of millions of children in Asia and Africa through a focus on literacy and gender equality in education. The classroom library project allows children in schools that do not have free space to benefit from books and other library resources, as well as to promote the integration and use of reading materials in classroom instruction.

“Room to Read provides exemplary literacy and educational aid and support to thousands of children
across Asia and Africa and we at Swets are delighted to help further their cause,” said Robin Dyer, Global Marketing Director at Swets Information Services. “We hope that the creation of this classroom library will provide many years of happy reading and enlightening education to the pupils of Government Primary School Nathu Khadi for many years to come.”

Room to Read’s School Libraries team has worked hard to select the most appropriate and engaging reading materials to stock the library. The books chosen play a vital role in supplying students with relevant and engaging learning materials. The school has also been provided with other educational materials, classroom storage furniture, and a standard three year training plan for teachers. To
ensure the long-term sustainability of the library, Room to Read aims to increase the participation of families and communities around the school. The goal is to increase awareness and support of literacy both in school and at home by engaging the pupils’ families and the wider community, resulting in the sustainability of the program and the future improvement and development of the
children’s reading skills and habits.

Unmesh Brahme Country Director, Room to Read India said in a letter to Swets, announcing the completion of the project, ”The library at Government Primary School Nathu Khadi,which is just one of the 656 libraries we established in India in 2013, is already deeply cherished by the school’s students and teachers. I wish I could bottle and send you the joy that exudes from the children whenever they
open a new book or recognize a new word for the first time. They are on their way to becoming avid, independent readers, and I cannot wait to watch as class after class of students learns to read using the books and materials you have helped us provide. Thank you for supporting our efforts to promote literacy and bring this wonderful new resource to this community!”

The full Room to Read report outlining the entire scope and achievements of the project can be found here:

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About Room to Read
Room to Read is a global organization seeking to transform the lives of millions of children in Asia and Africa through a focus on literacy and gender equality in education. Founded on the belief that World Change Starts with Educated Children, Room to Read works in collaboration with local communities, partner organizations and governments to develop literacy skills and a habit of reading among primary school children and to ensure girls have the skills and support
needed to complete their secondary education. Since 2000, Room to Read has impacted the lives of nearly nine million children by providing increased access to high-quality educational opportunities through its network of libraries and schools, local language children’s books and its girls’ education program. Room to Read is changing children’s lives in Bangladesh, Cambodia, India, Laos, Nepal, South Africa, Sri Lanka, Tanzania, Vietnam and Zambia and aims to reach 10 million children by 2015. Learn more at www.roomtoread.org.