Aakkam Reading
Amulya
Nandini
Veda
We are a group of friends and students from New Jersey who share a deep passion for learning and reading. Driven by the desire to make a meaningful difference in our society, we started this initiative to share our love for books with children around the world. Through the support and guidance of the Aakkam Foundation, we’ve turned that vision into action through Aakkam Reading, a program that connects young changemakers across borders to make real impact.
Vision Statment
Aakkam Reading envisions a world where every child, regardless of geography or background, has access to books that inspire imagination, build literacy, and open doors to endless opportunities—ensuring that no student, no matter how remote or underprivileged, is left out of the joy of reading.
Mission Statement
The mission of Aakkam Reading is to connect communities across continents by collecting and repurposing children’s books to build libraries in India’s tribal and underserved schools. Through this effort, we aim to give every child the opportunity to read, learn, and dream—fostering curiosity, creativity, and the growth of future leaders through the gift of reading and lifelong learning.
Why It Matters
Many children in rural and tribal areas of India grow up with little or no access to storybooks or reading materials beyond textbooks. This limits not just their literacy, but also their creativity and confidence. By bridging this gap, Aakkam Reading gives these children the chance to dream bigger—to imagine, explore, and grow. Every book donated is a step toward educational equality and empowerment, connecting communities across continents and generations.
Program Objective
Promote Literacy and Language Development
To enhance reading and English language skills among elementary school children in underserved and tribal communities across India.
Build Sustainable Mini-Libraries
To establish libraries in rural and remote schools stocked with age-appropriate English and bilingual books that encourage both learning and imagination.
Inspiring Young Minds
Providing access to a thoughtful mix of educational, recreational, and inspirational titles that broaden young minds.
Raise Awareness
To highlight the importance of reading and accessing books as vital tools for learning, personal growth, and community development through social media campaigns, school partnerships, and local outreach.
Foster a Lifelong Love for Reading
To inspire curiosity and passion for reading by introducing children to a diverse range of books that reflect their interests, ignite imagination, and expand their worldview.
Empower the Next Generation
To nurture confident, curious, and compassionate young learners who can dream beyond their circumstances and grow into informed, thoughtful leaders
Project Execution Plan
Collection Phase (USA)
Book Drives
Partner with U.S. schools, libraries, community groups, and families to organize book donation drives focusing on K–5 reading-level books.
Book Criteria
Books must be gently used or new, covering storybooks, picture books, early readers, and educational content (science, math, general knowledge, etc.).
Sorting & Quality Check
Volunteers categorize books by grade level, subject, and condition to ensure only high-quality, usable books are shipped.
Collection Centers
Designate Aakkam Foundation collection points or collaborate with partner organizations for local drop-offs.
Logistics & Shipping
Packaging
Books are packed in sturdy boxes (labelled by grade level).
Shipping Partnerships
Partner with logistics providers or NGOs experienced in international shipping to India.
Customs Coordination
Work with Aakkam Foundation India (80G registered) for import clearances under educational aid classification.
Frequency
Shipments are planned quarterly or bi-annually depending on the volume collected.
Library Setup (India)
Site Identification
Aakkam India identifies schools in tribal, remote, and rural areas through partnerships with local education officers and NGOs.
Infrastructure Support
A small reading corner or shelf is set up in each school to house the donated books.
Local Volunteer Involvement
Work with Aakkam Foundation India (80G registered) for import clearances under educational aid classification.
Orientation for Teachers
Training sessions if needed are conducted to help teachers integrate reading into daily learning routines.
Expected Impact
Establish 100+libraries in tribal and underserved schools within the first two years.
Provide access to over 100,000 books for children who otherwise have none.
Strengthen early literacy and English language exposure for over 100,000 students.
Inspire empathy and global citizenship among U.S. donors and student volunteers.
Project Team
Dr. Abiram
Project Co-ordinator
Mahalingam
School Co-ordination
Sherin
Project Lead
Aswathi
Team Member
Daisy
Team Member