In an age where digital information takes precedence and books take a backseat, the communities at Dewlieh and Diengsong under Khad-ar Shnong-Laitkroh C&RD Block on the Shillong-Sohra road have embraced the classic method of acquiring knowledge and information through book-reading. The initiatives of the Social Work students, in collaboration with the National Service Scheme (NSS) of St Edmund’s College, started the community libraries in these two villages. This project was the outcome of the assessment made through a survey conducted during special camps organised by NSS, which has been closely associated with the two communities for the past two years conducting various programmes and other activities.
It is difficult for the people to gain access to different book materials for various purposes, mostly educational, as transportation is difficult. In recognition of the needs of the people, especially of the students, the idea of setting up the libraries was developed. under the theme ‘Inspire a Child, Share a Book’, the young social workers had sought assistance from different book publishers, sellers, schools and fellow students and the positive responses from them made the project a reality and a success. Thus the two libraries were opened on April 4 and 7 at Dewlieh and Diengsong villages, respectively.
Shaiphar Dohling, a school teacher and secretary of Dewlieh, emphatically mentioned that the project would benefit the children who are in the school system and those outside of it. While thanking the team for its contribution, he stated that “even though it may be a small gesture for you, yet it is a great thing for us”. Prof G Kharkongor of the NSS who guided the Social Work students said these students had undertaken a survey on the availability and accessibility of basic textbooks for students in the rural areas. He pointed out that the intention of the project is to inculcate the habit of reading among children in the two villages where time is available and children have not been attached to gadgets like cell phones. The range of books includes fiction, books on general knowledge, science, literature, history and environment. An enthusiastic Debarstar Khongrymmai, a school teacher of Upper Primary School, Dewlieh shared his appreciation for the work, which is the “first of its kind in the village that would greatly help the students. He also stated that the children are excited in getting a variety of books to read and for them; it is a great goal that has been achieved. Moreover, he mentioned that even as a teacher he sees the collection of books as an enhancement to his teaching career.
Sketcy Mary Dohling, another teacher of the school shared her thoughts on the usefulness of these books as there are hardly interesting books that help motivate the students to learn. She also expressed the drawbacks of not having enough books for the Upper Primary School students and she was, therefore, “very happy for the library which will provide more knowledge for the teachers as well as the students”. Interaction with the students of the school was flooded with innumerable khublei and remarks of how they were “very happy” and excited about their new library.
On a similar note, PN Syiemlieh, Chairman of the Managing Committee of Diengsong Lower Primary School, who inaugurated the library, thanked God who has blessed them through the various activities of the NSS, St Edmund’s unit, over the years by bringing about several changes in their community.
“There are no words that will be enough to show our gratitude for this initiative,” said Syiemlieh while expressing his great appreciation for the library in his village. He believes that the library will quench the thirst for learning of the students and lead to further growth in education performance.
Kynjaimon Khongsit, an Assistant Teacher at Diengsong, expressed her gratitude to the team for their provision of the library in the village.
“We are so blessed to have received the library in the presence of our Sordar and we hope that this library will be a great blessing to the entire village as a whole,” she concluded.
The headman (Sordar) of the village, S Diengdoh, was also appreciative of the noble gesture. He commented, “I am so happy that you’ve encouraged us through the opening of this library” and he assured that the library would be used meaningfully.
However, Star Mary Diengdoh, a school teacher and an active worker in the village shared how they had been facing problems with insufficient books in the community but with the opening of the library these problems will be eased.
“Having the library near the school premises will also help students not to waste time in the absence of a teacher because they can read in the library for at least half an hour,” she concluded.
Dewlieh village is located in between Shillong and Sohra highway ie near old Sohra (Sohra rim), 39 km away from the village headquarters in Shillong.
It has a population of 148 and 28 houses with Laityngew as its sub-centre, 3 km away from the village.
Dewlieh is an area with no road connectivity. People have to walk approximately 3,000 steps after reaching the Sohra highway to reach the village.
The people here practise farming and craftmaking as their means of livelihood.
Parallel to Dewlieh is Diengsong village that falls under the Diengsong Elaka of Laitkroh Block with a population of around 480 people and 80 households. It is adjacent to Ladmawphlang, Mawmihthied, Nongtraw, Dewlieh and Tyniar.
The only connectivity to this village is also through 3,000-odd steps from the Sohra highway. The main sources of income of the people are through the selling of agricultural products, broom grass cultivation and daily wage labour. The children perform songs and dances at the opening function of these community libraries and were seen to be very excited and took time to sit and open and flipp through a few books.
The success of the initiative is a combined effort of the communities and the support and help from agencies like New Book Centre, Don Bosco Book Depot, Ri Khasi Book Agency, Eriben Higher Secondary School (all from Shillong), St John Bosco Boys’ Higher Secondary School (Sohra), the Social Work students, a few students from other departments along with a few teachers from St. Edmund’s College (Shillong) who have generously contributed to the library.
(Contributed by Danny Kharkamni, Larisa Dohtdong, Riwaka Shullai and Imtijungla Imchen, all students of BSW, St Edmund’s College)
