READ Model is such a convincing model. Whosoever understands well and is interested to give back to the community to whom he belongs comes forward to adapt and partner with READ India.
Mr Asif Ali, the then Sarpanch of village Chainnsa visited my house with one of my connections in Gurgaon, listened carefully the long term strategy of engaging empowering educating and enhancing the skills of communities, committed the half of his homeland in his village to construct the Community Library and Resource Centre and committed himself to the cause. He agreed that this building will ever be used for the social work. In 2013, the READ Community Library and Resource Center was constructed. The dedication of the building in the name of Tamiko Mitsui by her daughter Kaori Zage, on behalf of Zage family based in Singapore and the funds were channelled through READ Global. She visited the READ Centre on the inauguration and when she saw the plaque of dedication, Community for whom this Community Library has been dedicated, she became emotional. (https://youtu.be/vJ6qIFbPM2k)
Tina Sciabica, the then Executive Director READ Global was also present with her and she was amazed to see the response. The library with new books, brand new computers, some community women saw the computers first time, early learning Center for children from 3 to 6 years, specially girls, sewing machines for women to learn the skill were a few of the initial attractions. Later, the students from Drishti School of Design, Bangalore did their internship and made women learn to enhance their traditional skills of making rugs and baskets. The journey continued and READ was able to bring multiple programmes of Skilling, Education, and empowering youth for employability. These programmes are continuing.
In 2013, when I was challenged by many that it would be tough for a woman with a poised personality to work in Mewat, I accepted this challenge silently because the condition of women and children made me to work with them. I would also like to acknowledge the constant support of Mr RS Dalal, ex Director General of Police, Haryana, whom we invited as the Chief Guest for inauguration. He is still at the back of READ India and provides guidance and support at every time.
We have worked in 15 or more of the surrounding villages around Chainnsa on Literacy and Education, digital literacy, women empowerment and Livelihood, youth empowerment etc. reaching 9600 unique people through various programmes. Many joined repeated programmes from time to time. READ India impacted the lives of around 25000 community people.
The dedicated team from READ India understood three aspects from me at the beginning to have patience perseverance and positive attitude to work with the community and today we see the results.
We always say Charity begins from home and the dedication and interest for self-empowerment and transforming others has been seen in Farzana Bano, the daughter of Mr Asif Ali, who is managing the Community Library and Resource Centre so well.
After Chainnsa, READ started working in Nuh, Tauru and other areas and we are proud to say that the positive attitude of learning and safety of the READ Team while travelling and staying in the villages have never been a challenge. It is a welcome opportunity to be engaged with people in Mewat and Palwal.
