I dream of the realization of the unity of Africa, whereby its leaders combine in their efforts to solve the problems of this continent. I dream of our vast deserts, of our forests, of all our great wilderness - Nelson Mandela |
| Going to School in India celebrated in beautiful book |
|
This is the reality that the children’s book Going to School in India illustrates for its readers. Many children have to work to help their families survive. Some cannot afford textbooks and pencils. Some children find that the school is taught in a language they cannot understand. And others are treated differently because they practice another religion.
Celebrating school
These are some of the challenges faced by children in India. The book, however, is a celebration of what school can be, presented through the eyes and voices of children. With stunning images and an exciting commentary from some of the children, the book is a pleasure to read. It highlights the spirit and passion for learning that the children have. This spirit is celebrated through the bright colours, graphic design, illustrations and stunning photographs displaying the children learning, playing and just being together. The essence of the school-going experience is captured across India’s landscape, including places in like Ladakh, Kerala, Kolkata, Nagaland and Kutch, where these stories are told. Diverse experiences
Having said that, Going to School in India is an inspiring book. The exciting commentary brings to the fore the ways in which “going to school is about dreams”. In capturing the excitement and hardship of what school means for each child, we appreciate the many differences that exist among children in other parts of the world. The book is a celebration of school; from the moment a child leaves home to get there, to the actual experience of being at school.
Dreaming of a better life
To obtain a copy of this amazing book, click here. Alternatively go to the website for more information on the book and the project.
|
"Every school day millions of children go to school in India…But each day, at the same time, millions of children in India do not go to school." 
The children overcome difficulties to go to school on a mountaintop, after an earthquake, under a mango tree and in the middle of a lake. Girls go to night school in the dark. Boys learn on a railway station platform. All of these realities highlight just how diverse the school-going experience is. It is clear that in some regions, school is a privilege. 
Author of the book, Lisa Heydlauff, graphic designer and illustrator B. M Kamath, and photographer Nitin Upadhye present a beautiful book showing the determination that children have in “dreaming of a better life for themselves through education”. The opportunities that this experience presents for a school-going child in India are endless. For the reader, this book is an inspiration. It is an opportunity to dream. 
