Salesian initiative focuses on transformative impact of reading

(MissionNewswire) The Salesian Don Bosco Kalvisolai Center, located in Chennai, India, has launched the “Butterfly Express” campaign to establish libraries in rural areas. The initiative promotes the transformative impact of reading with well-stocked libraries in villages that offer youth and their families knowledge and new opportunities. Through the initiative, people can donate books for the libraries or donate funding so libraries can buy new books.

A Salesian explained, “The name Butterfly Express is a metaphor that indicates the transformation that children undergo through reading. Just as caterpillars become butterflies, rural school libraries act as cocoons, where students discover the great possibilities that life offers, page after page.”

India has the world’s fourth largest economy but more than 22% of the country lives in poverty. About 31% of the world’s multidimensionally poor children live in India, according to a report by the Oxford Poverty and Human Development Initiative.

India’s youth face a lack of educational opportunities due to issues of caste, class and gender. Almost 44% of the workforce is illiterate and less than 10% of the working-age population has completed a secondary education. In addition, many secondary school graduates do not have the knowledge and skills to compete in today’s changing job market.

Salesian programs across India are primarily focused on education. Salesian primary and secondary education in the country helps youth prepare for later technical, vocational or university study. Other programs help to support poor youth and their families by meeting the basic needs of shelter, proper nutrition and medical care.

###

Sources:

ANS Photo (usage permissions and guidelines must be requested from ANS)  

ANS – India – “Butterfly Express”: transforming rural education through books

Salesian Missions – India

World Bank – India