Caritas India’s Project Khushaal Bachpan celebrated International Literacy Day 2023 with the aim of highlighting the significance of literacy for individuals and communities in general. This year’s International Literacy Day, celebrated worldwide, revolved around the theme “Promoting literacy for a world in transition: Building the foundation for sustainable and peaceful societies.”

Building further from the set discourse on literacy, Khushaal Bachpan took this opportunity to kick off its literacy campaign which will run from September 8 to September 22, 2023 in 10 districts across four states which include Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, and Chhattisgarh. These districts included Jhabua, Alirajpur, Shravasti, Bahraich, Udaipur, Jashpur, Sarguja, Raigarh, Raipur, and Bastar.

Across these districts, a wide array of engaging activities were carried out, to ensure a lasting impact on the local village communities. Creative writing and drawing activities provided a platform for children to outpour their creativity through vibrant artwork and written expressions. Beyond the children, village leaders also offered campaign support, wholeheartedly endorsing the significance of children’s education and the power of reading.

Notably, in Surguja District, Chhattisgarh, the day commenced with dynamic activities and games designed to captivate the children’s attention. An interactive exhibition showcased projects covering a diverse range of educational concepts, while the symbolic “Knowledge Enlightening Tree” was built with the audacious thoughts of children from the community. Additional activities such as “Passing the Book” and drawing exercises was held to aid to the development of motor and cognitive skills among the young learners.

Furthermore, the Campaign Inauguration at a local school emphasized the pivotal role of reading and underscored the responsibilities of various stakeholders in nurturing children’s reading journeys. Events like Padhai Utsav (reading celebration), in which a mass gathering was held to emphasizing the importance of reading by dedicating 30 minutes of reading for children and the community. A Mobile Library was launched to mobilize the community to read, generating excitement and encouraging villagers to dedicate more time to reading. Parents were also engaged in activities and discussions, including slogan writing, emphasizing their essential role in children’s education and growth. A significant milestone was reached in Raipur with the inauguration of a Literacy Vehicle, spreading the message of reading’s importance through written and audio messages.

Additionally, a Reflection Wall provided students with a platform to express their thoughts on the empowerment that reading brings. The campaign reflects Khushaal Bachpan’s unwavering commitment to promoting literacy and education within communities that require substantial efforts to bring them into the mainstream.