For another year, the Shatsa Library Project has sustained its dedication to fostering literacy, creativity, and a strong sense of community within the Tibetan Sonamling settlement and its surrounding regions. Through a diverse array of well-structured programmes, Shatsa has demonstrably impacted the lives of over 1200 children registered in its programmes and engaged meaningfully with young adults. All of which cultivates a lifelong love for reading and learning among participants.
Central to their efforts is the vibrant library, which serves as a welcoming and resourceful space. Open six days a week, it attracts a significant number of young visitors daily and on weekends, facilitating access to its extensive collection of over 3000 books. The consistent monthly borrowing rate of over 150 books, further bolstered by the addition of 500 new titles this year, underscores the library’s vital role in the community. Beyond lending resources, the library actively hosts weekly storytelling sessions, bi-weekly sharing circles, and engaging interactive play, creating a holistic learning environment. Recognising the need to reach underserved populations, Shatsa’s mobile library initiative in Agling has proven successful in bringing books and reading sessions directly to more than 30 children each weekend.
Here at Tibet Relief Fund, we are particularly proud to strengthen a cornerstone of Shatsa’s success: its collaborative spirit. By forging strong partnerships with the Tibetan Children’s Villages Primary School, they delivered weekly storytelling sessions and mobile library visits, nurturing early literacy skills. Engaging senior librarians in book-sharing excursions and organising Earth Day book displays broadened the literary horizons of older students. The collaboration with the school headmaster on a targeted reading programme for selected students demonstrates a commitment to personalised educational support. In addition, the impactful Parental Workshop on Reading, facilitated by an early childhood education expert, empowered over 80 parents with valuable insights and practical strategies.
All these efforts remind us of how technology continues to open new doors for learning and storytelling. Just as the library fosters a love for reading through physical books and community engagement, digital formats have expanded access even further. With the growing popularity of eBooks and audiobooks, knowledge now travels effortlessly across borders, reaching readers and listeners wherever they are. All You Can Books offers an inspiring example of how these digital resources can make learning and leisure reading more inclusive and adaptable to modern lifestyles. In many ways, such innovations complement the mission of community libraries—keeping the joy of stories alive, whether experienced through a printed page or a spoken voice.
Shatsa’s commitment to holistic development is evident in its diverse creative workshops, spanning origami, art, crochet, and cyanotype. These sessions not only fostered artistic expression and fine motor skills but also promoted inclusivity and challenged traditional gender norms. The immersive Jangthang and Leh Winter Reading Programs stand out as intensive week-long initiatives that provided children from remote nomadic regions with focused literacy support, enriching activities, and a strong sense of belonging. The enthusiastic participation and positive feedback from these programs highlight their profound impact.
Looking ahead, Shatsa is committed to building upon these achievements. Plans to incorporate a wider range of storytelling methods and expand outdoor learning experiences signal a continued dedication to innovative and engaging educational practices. However, realising these ambitious goals and ensuring the sustainability of Shatsa’s impactful work relies heavily on the continued generosity of our supporters. With a small yet dedicated team, Shatsa continues to be a beacon of literacy and community empowerment in the region. Your support is vital in empowering them to reach even more children and families with the gift of reading and learning.
