Sambhu, age 8, enjoys a book he received as part of ChildFund’s Books, My Friends program in Kotra, India.

ChildFund India’s campaign, Books, My Friends, is designed “to help children read with joy and encourage children to go beyond their textbooks and discover the joy of reading.” The new initiative aims to reach nearly 115,000 underserved students in 14 states, including Udaipur, over the next three years by providing access to books, creating a supportive environment and removing barriers to reading. About 40,000 reading bags filled with age-appropriate books are being donated to children, with the idea that giving children the opportunity to own books will inspire them to become lifelong readers.

Udaipur Dist. – ChildFund India – January, 2015
Photo by Jake Lyell