Bridging Educational Gaps: How One Woman’s Passion for Reading is Transforming Lives

Srishti Parihar, through her organization Share a Book India Association (SABIA), is spearheading a movement to bridge educational gaps by bringing books, literacy, and a love for reading to over 30,000 children across 175 schools. In a world where imagination is limitless, her mission ensures that even underprivileged children can embark on literary adventures.

Addressing the Literacy Crisis

Motivated by a passion for books and a desire to address the lack of access to reading materials, 33-year-old Srishti founded SABIA. Her initiative combats a stark reality: nearly 40% of students in Indian schools lack grade-appropriate books. From building libraries to hosting book donation drives and storytelling sessions, SABIA has become a beacon of hope for thousands of underserved children.

Srishti’s journey began with a small Facebook community that evolved into a nationwide effort. The organization now implements comprehensive library development programs, teacher training sessions, and activities to boost literacy and life skills in children.

Holistic Learning Through Books

Recognizing the severe literacy gap, SABIA doesn’t just distribute books but also ensures they are used effectively. By transforming school storerooms into libraries and providing grade-appropriate and culturally relevant books, SABIA fosters a welcoming environment for learning. Their storytelling sessions focus on social-emotional topics, encouraging mutual respect, kindness, and empathy among children.

Community-Driven Impact

Volunteers form the backbone of SABIA’s operations, with over 200 individuals actively contributing in 2024 alone. Their efforts have enriched reading experiences in cities like Jaipur, Delhi, and Noida. By establishing community libraries and hosting storytelling sessions, SABIA ensures that even children with limited academic backgrounds can grow their reading skills and explore their creativity.

Overcoming Challenges

The pandemic exposed the digital divide, but SABIA adapted by setting up community learning spaces and home libraries. These efforts helped children like Anita and Rani, who returned to their studies despite years of school closures. SABIA also collaborates with corporations and government bodies, ensuring sustainable support for their initiatives.

Looking Ahead

As SABIA continues its journey, it plans to launch a braille book for visually impaired children and host a book fair in Mumbai this December to raise funds. With each step, Srishti and her team are reshaping the educational landscape, ensuring every child has the opportunity to experience the transformative power of books.