As the COVID-19 pandemic swept across the globe in 2020-21, its ripple effects were far-reaching and dramatic. Children from underserved communities, often reliant on public schooling for education, were disproportionately affected. However, amidst these dark times, the IQRA Dwij Foundation, a non-governmental organization (NGO) based in India, emerged as a beacon of hope.
Recognizing the potential learning crisis looming over these children due to school closures, the Foundation resolved to fight against the tide. They devised a comprehensive initiative to aid these children in their educational journey – a widespread book distribution drive.
The ambitious project was titled “Literacy in a Lockdown”. The goal was not just to distribute books, but to bring the world into the homes of these children who were confined due to the pandemic. It aimed to create a safe space where their imaginations could soar, where they could traverse the realms of knowledge from the safety of their homes.
The team, made up of committed volunteers and educators, began by carefully curating a list of books suitable for children of varying age groups. These books ranged from textbooks, general knowledge compilaries, literature classics, to inspiring biographies. The focus was to cater to the academic needs and foster a culture of self-learning and curiosity.
But procuring the books was just half the battle won. The real challenge lay in reaching out to these children. With lockdown measures in place and the risk of the virus ever-present, the task was daunting. The IQRA Dwij Foundation, however, was undeterred. Adapting to the new normal, they collaborated with local authorities and established ‘No Contact’ policy in the community for the distribution. Volunteers equipped with personal protective equipment (PPE) delivered the books at these centers, where families could pick them up while adhering to social distancing norms.
The response was overwhelming. Children and parents alike flocked to the distribution points, the relief in their eyes a testament to the Foundation’s hard work. In a period when hope was scarce, these books offered them a ray of light, a promise that education could continue despite the circumstances.
Over the span of the academic year 2020-21, the “Literacy in a Lockdown” initiative reached thousands of children, distributing over a million books. It was a heartwarming sight – children clutching their new books with excitement, parents looking on with gratitude, and volunteers beaming with a sense of accomplishment.
The IQRA Dwij Foundation’s book distribution drive was more than just a temporary fix to a crisis. It was a demonstration of resilience, of community spirit, and most importantly, the undying belief in the power of education. They fought against the tide of a pandemic and ensured that the lamp of knowledge kept burning in the hearts of the children they served. Their work was an echo of their belief that even in the toughest of times, learning must never stop.
