IBBY-Yamada 2025: India
IBBY India
Nurturing Critical Literacy through Literature in Indigenous Children
Implemented by Muskaan in Bhopal, this project transformed community libraries into democratic spaces for critical dialogue among 125 indigenous children (aged 10–16) from the Pardhi, Kanjar, and Gond communities. Moving beyond basic literacy, the initiative used carefully selected literature to challenge deep-seated stereotypes regarding caste, gender, tribal identity, and nationalism. Through 165 structured dialogic sessions, children were encouraged to question social hierarchies, analyse power structures, and articulate their own perspectives on constitutional values and communal harmony, fostering a shift from passive acceptance to active critical engagement.
The methodology combined read-alouds with open-ended questioning, reflective writing, and peer debates. Facilitators guided children through complex themes such as war, food diversity, and discrimination, resulting in measurable attitudinal changes; for instance, children began recognising discriminatory language in daily life and distinguishing between personal opinion and constitutional rights. To strengthen creative expression, the project included writing workshops that produced 250 original stories and poems, culminating in a “Story Fair” that engaged 156 children in public storytelling and creative activities. Additionally, 22 librarians and 50 youth volunteers were trained in inquiry-based pedagogy, equipping them to handle sensitive topics and document qualitative shifts in children’s thinking.
The project successfully nurtured a sense of dignity and identity among marginalised youth, with participants confidently discussing issues of justice and equality. Libraries evolved into safe havens where children could debate respectfully and express independent viewpoints. Sustainability is ensured through the permanent integration of 314 diverse books into library collections, the institutionalisation of critical literacy modules in regular programming, and the enhanced capacity of local facilitators. Muskaan plans to scale this model by developing a structured critical literacy module for wider dissemination, ensuring that the voice and agency of indigenous children continue to grow.
