Anatta Children's Library
Dedicated to cultivating knowledge, education, and wisdom
The magic of books
Anatta Children’s Library
Background
Back in 2010, Anatta founder Cornelia, and Venerable Metteyya corresponded frequently via email, discussing among many common visions, potential first projects in our new collaboration. Both remembered being extremely avid readers as children, most nights sneaking books to bed until the eyes could no longer stay open. In one of their emails Venerable Metteyya wrote:
"What really aches me is the communities in Nepal and India are so adult oriented that there is really no social life for children.
Parents think that all the children need is food and clothes.
If they want to do something, they can help their parents to look after cattle or help in farms.
There are no parks or playgrounds created for children and almost no festivals for children.
...so I have always wanted to create a special space for children,
a place where they can enjoy being what they are, a child.
And who else has been given the privilege to feel so elevated and happy after reading a story about Cinderella or a Turtle called Franklin?
I think children are blessed if we recognize it." - Venerable Metteyya
The concept for the Anatta Childen's Library was born.
Library groundbreaking blessing ceremony, December 2011
In December 2011, ground was broken to begin construction of the Anatta Children's Library in Lumbini, Nepal. The occasion was cause for celebration and optimism. This library is the first of its kind in the area, open to the entire community. Before the grand opening in May of 2013, much was accomplished besides construction. Books and audio/visual resources were purchased in English as well as Nepali. The Anatta/ArtWare Tile Wall Project was implemented to help meet the required finances. An art installation was constructed, comprised of children's art from around the world. The theme for this special tile wall in the library is Garden of Harmony.
Admiring the Garden of Harmony at the Library Grand Opening May 2013
An old Nepali saying referred to the diversity of its people as “a garden of flowers” from different castes and ethnicities. Just as the variety of flowers add to the garden’s splendor, so our diversity makes us beautiful. This was a time-tested strategy that held the glue of this little country together for generations.
Currently, the benefit of community within diversity is not as clear in Nepali society. Sadly, children in Nepal are being educated in an unhealthy environment of ethnic conflict and separation. The Garden of Harmony was a project designed to help all participating children learn the true meaning of community: cooperation, acceptance and harmony.
The installation work was difficult in the pre-monsoon heat, but well worth the effort. Everyone painted on the library walls, emulating the ancient Mithila painting style popular in the culture of this region. The Library Grand Opening was spectacular, with school children, villagers and Metta Family volunteers in attendance - what a joyful celebration!
About Our “Garden of Harmony” Project Partner
Founded in 1991, ArtWare develops personalized art projects and fair-trade product fundraising for schools, non-profit organizations; and corporate and private community service programs. For more information: ArtWare for Good
Fun with 3D science books, April 2014
Enhancing Access to Science
Anatta is interested in actively promoting hands-on science education as this has been a weaker area in the educational systems in the Terai region. We have begun by increasing the availability of science texts and educational material in the library. Many of the books incorporate audio visual or 3D technology to make the learning experience multi-modal. We have been studying the Science Center in the Jamkhed, India model, CRHP Science Center , which supports the active learning of science, technology and engineering for students in the 5th - 12th Standard. As funding becomes available, we will move forward with plans for a full Science Learning Lab. Click below for a photo journey of our visits to the Science Center:
The Anatta Children's Library is well used for study, educational movies, community reading programs, and special children's events. It serves the 1000 Metta School children who range from pre-kindergarten through the seventh grade, as well as the students at Peace Grove Nunnery and the Karuna Girls College. For the rural community children not yet fortunate enough to be enrolled in school, the library offers an educational opportunity in a head-start environment, previously unattainable.
The Timeline
The Anatta Chilren's Library project was begun in December of 2011 and completed for the grand opening in May of 2013. The photo gallery spans the entire timeline. The library continues to expand both physically, in content, and in it's capacity to serve the community of children in the Lumbini surround. Anatta and our Serve Lumbini family are currently working on a proposal for building a second library at the main Metta School nearby, in order to extend resource access to more of the youngest and poorest in the village.