C T Online Desk: Footsteps Bangladesh, a next generation development organisation, inaugurated its second Britto Children’s Library in Rayerbazar Government Primary School in Dhanmondi, Dhaka on 28 April.
Britto Children’s Library facilitates more than 50 students and one librarian with space for over 1000 books. This transformative project was supported by Berger Paints Bangladesh, in collaboration with Morshed Mishu Illustrations and Kolpo Architects said a press release.
The inauguration ceremony was graced by the presence of Tanzeen Ferdous Alam, Chief Marketing Officer of Berger Paints Bangladesh, representatives from Kolpo and Mongol Deep Foundation, the Thana Education Officer of Dhanmondi Thana, members of the school management committee, Footsteps representatives, and the students of Rayerbazar Government Primary School.
Tanzeen Ferdous Alam, Chief Marketing Officer of Berger Paints Bangladesh, has shared his thoughts, “we are truly proud to sponsor this program by Footsteps. You can see the decoration of the innovative library. Initially, should we succeed in instilling the habit of reading, children will be equipped to adapt to any circumstance.This is the first step in reading. Reading in a colourful environment unlocks their imagination. We hope to support this initiative in many schools, especially government schools. It will greatly benefit the future generation of our country. All the best to Footsteps!”
“With a student body of 1200, we understand the critical role that a library plays in fostering a love of reading and broadening young minds beyond the limitations of their academic curriculum. This library will allow students to delve into their imaginations, explore various cultures, and create a lifelong love of learning. This library will not only enrich their academic education but will also provide them with valuable skills and knowledge that will benefit them throughout their life. We are grateful to Footsteps and their team, and we look forward to their continued support,” stated by the Head Teacher.
According to Abu Sayem MD. Touhidul Islam, Thana Education Officer, a library is more than simply a room full of books. It is a treasure hunt of knowledge waiting to be discovered. He also encouraged the children to use the opportunities available to them, seek directions from their teachers, and engage in meaningful conversations that broaden their understanding of their surroundings.
“Our intention with Britto Children’s Library is to create an inclusive space where children can explore their creativity, and immerse themselves in stories and knowledge with the books available in their respective libraries. We plan to integrate more features such as musical instruments and computers within our libraries to ensure children have resources in hand to enhance their creative skills within their school premises” said Shah Rafayat Chowdhury, Co-Founder and President of Footsteps Bangladesh.
Project Britto, one of Footsteps’ core programs, intends to utilise abandoned or underutilised spaces in primary schools and transform them into creativeFoo learning hubs through its children’s library program. Footsteps is currently impacting over 600,000 people across Bangladesh through improved water and sanitation access, enhanced public health services, climate and disaster resilience, and livelihood and skill enhancement programs.
