For Children’s Day, BALCO Inspires Young Minds with a Community Book Festival

Balconagar,  Bharat Aluminium Company Limited (BALCO), India’s iconic aluminium producer and a part of Vedanta Aluminium, is hosting a 7-day long book festival in Korba to celebrate Children’s Day. This initiative is a part of BALCO’s ‘Project Connect’ education program, organized in partnership with Vidya Bhawan Society and reflects BALCO's dedication to advancing education and literacy in the region. Open to children, families, and book enthusiasts of all ages, the festival invites the community to experience the transformative power of literature. Running until November 17, 2024, it offers a vibrant environment where children can explore new interests, strengthen critical reading skills, and cultivate a passion for reading. Over the past 3 days, the festival has attracted more than 1200 attendees, highlighting the strong community engagement.

The book festival seeks to provide an enriching experience for young minds and instill a lifelong love for reading. With over 2000 diverse books, the event includes interactive storytelling sessions, engaging workshops, and educational toys tailored to children’s varied interests. Alongside the extensive book collection, the festival offers engaging reading sessions, discussions with authors, vocabulary-building and math-focused numeracy activities to spark curiosity and shared learning. Adding to the interactive atmosphere, there are educational games and activities for children and parents to enjoy together, creating a family bonding experience while developing critical thinking and creativity.

Commenting on the event, Mr. Rajesh Kumar, CEO and Director of BALCO, said, "At BALCO, we’re committed to fostering holistic development for the youth in our communities. Our Children’s Day Book Festival is more than a celebration of reading, it’s a joyful gathering that strengthens family and community bonds. Through Project Connect, we are elevating educational standards in Korba, laying the groundwork for a more promising future, creating meaningful pathways to empower the next generation."

Mr. Ramhari Sharaff, Principal of the District Institute of Education (DIET), speaking on the event's inauguration, said, "Events like these are a powerful source of inspiration for children, fostering a deep love for learning that guides their future journeys. BALCO’s Children’s Day celebration, through this innovative book festival, is equipping children with the essential tools and resources to help them thrive."

Ms. Asha, a resident of Korba, who attended the book festival, shared, "It’s heartening to see such an event in our community. My daughter is excited to explore new books, and I am thrilled to witness her developing a love for reading. This festival is a wonderful opportunity for children to learn, grow, and ignite their imaginations."

BALCO’s ‘Project Connect’ is aimed at enhancing the educational outcomes for students in grades 6 to 8 in 6 government schools in Korba. The initiative supports foundational literacy and numeracy in these grades, and focuses on SEMA subjects—Science, English, Mathematics, and Accountancy for grades 9 to 12. With activity-based learning and additional learning hours, it aims to foster student engagement and improve academic performance. Since its inception, Project Connect has benefited over 2,500 students, providing career counseling, teacher training, and enrichment activities like summer and winter camps and reading melas. By creating a holistic learning ecosystem, Project Connect shapes confident, capable learners in the Korba community.