The Active Library program for Grades 1 to 8
The Goshtarang program takes books to children through theatrical performances of children's stories by trained artists with the aim of creating a 'culture of reading'. The schools selected are generally tribal or rural where the children do not get exposure of such kind. After the performance different library activities are conducted with the children to enhance reading and writing.
Thousands of tribal children do not read anything but for the school textbooks in their entire elementary schooling. The lack of access to children’s books and reading-culture are the major reasons for this. As a result, many of them fail to acquire sound and permanent literacy. This makes it difficult for them to complete their formal education successfully.
Goshtrang fellowship is one such powerful activity that makes children curious about the world of print. Selected story books are presented in Marathi to children through short theatrical performances. The stories are carefully selected to suit different age groups in the school. The book and author are introduced to children post every performance. We have observed that this has an extremely positive impact on the usage of the library. Children not only watch the performances but also express their views and opinions about them through their writing. Apart from this a high cognitive impact is also been seen amongst children.
Outreach
Since its launch in 2016, the total outreach of Goshtarang has been over 25,000 underprivileged students in rural and urban areas. In 2018, the Goshtarang team has performed six selected stories appropriate for children of grade 1 to 7. The program has been conducted in 9 Ashram schools located in Nasik district, 19 Ashram schools in Palghar district and 21 residential schools run by Social Justice Department and 10 districts in Amravati region and have already reached 12,166 children.
Fellowship
Goshtarang Fellowship is a residential, full time program of ten-months. Young people interested in theatre are selected for the Fellowship. Renowned theatre experts and library educators conduct intensive workshops with these fellows. Under expert’s guidance, the fellows dramatize selected stories with minimum props and costumes. The fellows perform stories and conduct library activities in the rural schools in any given condition and space. They receive extremely encouraging response during their performance and during follow-up sessions! Goshtarang Fellowship provides a great opportunity to work in the field of Children’s Theatre and literature, to gain experience as an actor. Working in rural and tribal areas, where there is a scarcity of such activities also provides an interesting challenge to the fellows.
Balrang Karyashala – This a theatre workshop curated by ex Goshtarang fellows focusing on creating performances by children based on children’s literature.
Bolgani – This is a music workshop conducted by experts, to introduce formal knowledge of music and to introduce various kinds of music to local children.
Nrutyarang – This is a dance and movement workshop to give exposure of various dance techniques to local children.
Shikshak Rang – In this activity, Goshtarang Alumni and theatre experts conduct Special teacher training programs for Quest staff and other teachers to orient them on theatre techniques which can be used in the classroom.
Goshtarang Special – In this activity, eminent educators and artists perform children’s literature in the schools of Palghar district. Effective storytelling by them can create an impact not only on children but also on teachers.
Goshtarang Ex-Program (GExP) – (Low touch model of Active Library Program) In this activity, Goshtarang alumni will take children’s literature to the schools from all over Maharashtra. They will perform stories and conduct workshops and library activities.
Exchange program – Here, we exchange ideas and craft mutually with other groups, who work in the field of children’s literature and theatre.
Stories performed by the fellows so far
