While most of the students are enjoying their vacation, a student of Std X, Viraaj Vig (15) from Bandra's American School of Bombay, is busy working to bring about a lasting social change.
As part of his high school project, which started in March 2016, he chose the subject: "Why Literacy Matters" to focus on improving literacy levels by building a library and revamping the computer centre at a Dharavi-based school.
Talking about his project, Vig said: "In order to create lasting change for the action part of the project, I chose to work on starting a library for school students at Dharavi through book drives in my building and a fundraiser for purchasing new books. The library at my school was also very generous and donated books. I was successful in collecting more than 750 books for the library. Dharavi school caters to children of low-income communities from one of the world's largest slums."
He added: "I have created reading logs for students, to ensure that they are reading and that the books are actually being used. I am thinking about giving a prize to students if they have read a certain amount of books once the school starts in June. If this is successful, teachers will notice improvements in fluency and comprehension tests. The process of creating the library is being documented on my blog along with pictures and videos."
For his project, Vig collected money through crowdfunding to buy books for the library and for maintenance of computers.
Recollecting about his visit to the school, he said: "During one of my visits, a student came up to the box of books I had gathered and asked if he could read the encyclopedia. I said yes, and he read it out aloud with tremendous enthusiasm and energy. I noticed the positive effect it had, and I realised that if a high school student like me can work towards improving the literacy rates and providing opportunities for kids, then anyone can."
Though Vig has submitted his project in the school, he has decided to continue his work with the school.
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