Empowering the Marginalized: Illuminating lives through nurturing a reading culture
Vice-Province of India
In the spirit of our Patron St. Joseph Calasanz, the Indian Province takes great pride in embarking on a transformative journey of education. Inspired by the profound teachings of Pope Francis, we embrace the vision that literature is not merely a medium of knowledge but a potent catalyst for empathy, perspective broadening, personal maturity and inner serenity. This belief drives us to sow seeds of change, particularly among children from economically disadvantaged backgrounds, ensuring that their socioeconomic status never becomes a barrier to quality education.
In a world full of distractions, the habit of reading empowers students to dream big and achieve their fullest potential also introduce diverse perspectives, cultures and ideas.
Our vision and mission is deeply rooted in the ethos of walking the path paved by St. Joseph Calasanz. By cultivating a strong reading habit; we aim to ignite curiosity and lifelong learning in every child.
With a profound commitment to fostering holistic development, we have established three centers of excellence that epitomize our unwavering dedication towards education.
St. Joseph Calasanz CBSE School, Kanyakumari: Situated in the coastal region of Tamil Nadu, It caters predominantly to children from the fisher folk community. Villa Nazareth English medium school, Aryanadu: Nestled amidst the verdant landscapes of Kerala, it serves the children of farmers. St. Joseph Calasanz School, Jharkhand: located in the heart of tribal dominated area. This school endeavors to bridge the gap for children marginalized by geography and social strata.
“Opening Doors to a World of Reading for Preparatory Stage Children”
Our target focuses on children in the Preparatory stage, Aged 9 to 12 years, a crucial period in their educational journey. After completing the foundational stage, where they acquire basic reading and writing skills, children are ready to embark exploration of the world of reading. By nurturing their love for reading during this formative phase, we aim to lay the foundation for a lifetime of learning and holistic development.
Pathways to Holistic Development…
Our journey toward transforming the lives of underprivileged children is fueled by innovative and impactful activities that blend academic, social and moral growth. These initiatives are meticulously designed to ensure comprehensive development while addressing the unique challenges faced by our students.
Each classroom boasts a model library, a treasure trove of literary gems accessible to all students. In a dedicated “bell-to-bell” activity, children immerse themselves in reading during a special period, fostering a culture of curiosity and exploration. Every weekend, students submit written article about the books they’ve read, nurturing both their reading and writing habits.
“Sharing Stories…Shaping Minds”
‘Tale Time’ activity provides a platform for children to share the stories they’ve read during the week, fostering their storytelling skills and boosting their confidence. During ‘Tale Time’, each student gets the opportunity to narrate their chosen story to their peers, sparking curiosity, creativity and a love for books. It also instills the values and lessons embedded in the stories they explore.
We have established ‘Book Clubs’ for all students in the preparatory stage to ignite their passion for reading. Membership in the club is mandatory, ensuring that every child is actively engaged in exploring the world of books. Every child is required to complete at least ‘five books per month’.
‘Buddy Reading ‘is an innovative approach where students pair up to read and learn together. In this, a proficient or older reader is paired with a younger or less confident reader. The buddies take turns reading aloud, discussing the content and helping each other understand the text.
Through our consistent efforts and dedication, we have witnessed a remarkable transformation among the children of the middle stage. These children, who struggled to develop a reading habit, are now reading books regularly, demonstrating not only a passion for literature but also a disciplined approach to their daily lives. The impact of these efforts made changes in their academics and personal growth.
As educators and followers of St. Joseph Calasanz, we remain steadfast in our commitment to creating an inclusive educational system. The seeds we sow today, nurtured with the twin forces of literature and spirituality, are blossoming into trees of strength and wisdom. In our journey, we are not merely shaping individuals: we are shaping the marginalized society. This is the legacy we aim to leave behind- a legacy that echoes the teachings of our holy founder and the wisdom of Pope Francis, illuminating the path for countless lives yet to come.
