TFP Bureau, Korba, November 15, 2024: Bharat Aluminium Company Limited (BALCO), a leading aluminium producer and part of Vedanta Aluminium, is marking Children’s Day with a week-long book festival in Korba. Organized under BALCO’s flagship education initiative, Project Connect, in collaboration with Vidya Bhawan Society, the festival aims to nurture a love for reading and literacy among children and families. Running until November 17, the event features an extensive collection of over 2,000 books, interactive storytelling sessions, and engaging workshops.
In its first three days, the festival has attracted more than 1,200 attendees, reflecting its strong community resonance. The event has been designed as a dynamic space for children to explore new interests, enhance critical reading skills, and develop a lifelong passion for learning. Activities include reading sessions, discussions with authors, vocabulary-building exercises, numeracy games, and educational toys that cater to various age groups. Family-friendly games and creativity-focused activities also encourage parent-child bonding.
BALCO’s CEO and Director, Mr. Rajesh Kumar, highlighted the festival’s broader impact, stating, “At BALCO, we are deeply committed to the holistic development of our community’s youth. This Children’s Day Book Festival is more than a celebration of reading; it’s a platform to strengthen community ties and inspire young minds. Through *Project Connect*, we are shaping a brighter future for Korba by elevating education and empowering the next generation.”
Echoing the sentiment, Mr. Ramhari Sharaff, Principal of the District Institute of Education (DIET), said, “This festival is a source of inspiration for children, fostering a love for learning that will guide them throughout their lives. BALCO’s efforts are equipping our children with the resources they need to thrive academically and personally.”
Local residents have also lauded the initiative. Ms. Asha, a Korba resident, shared, “It’s amazing to see such an event in our community. My daughter is thrilled to explore the books, and I’m overjoyed to see her developing a passion for reading.
”BALCO’s Project Connect focuses on improving educational outcomes for students in grades 6 to 12 across six government schools in Korba. It prioritizes foundational literacy and numeracy for younger students while emphasizing Science, English, Mathematics, and Accountancy (SEMA) subjects for older students. The program employs activity-based learning, career counseling, teacher training, and enrichment activities such as reading melas and seasonal camps to foster academic engagement. Since its launch, the initiative has positively impacted over 2,500 students, creating confident, capable learners.
BALCO’s commitment to education and community development continues to inspire initiatives like the Children’s Day Book Festival, fostering a culture of learning and growth in Korba.
