Students from various schools at Bookaroo festival held in The Heritage, Old DC Bungalow and Raj Bhavan, Kohima on October 26. (Morung Photo)
Morung Express News
Kohima | October 26
The second day of Bookaroo- the only literature festival for children in the country- was held at The Heritage, Old DC Bungalow and Raj Bhavan on October 26. The literature festival drew young students from various schools in the capital where they engaged in fun-filled sessions such as The Kahani Tree, Doodle Wall, Studio, Crafty Corner and Stage.
“We loved everything at Bookaroo. Especially the Kahani Tree, it was the best!” said the Class IV students from The Living Tree School Kohima visiting the event.
Besides listening to stories, 12 years old Azenati Jamir, a Class V student from Mezhür Higher Secondary School enjoyed the time given to them where they were made to read a few lines from a story book and draw an imaginary character from the story. "We also had a great time dancing in traditional folk songs," added Azenati.
For students of Oking Christian School, Kohima, the Bookaroo festival was a learning experience. "We had fun and learned new stories," said a Class IV student from the School.
With the lack of reading culture and public libraries in the State, Peteneinuo Dolie, Administrator, The Living Tree School viewed that events such as the Bookaroo festival provides opportunities for children to learn. "We have very few opportunities for our students here. Our children lack good exposure for learning. Events such as Bookaroo are important for inculcating reading culture in children and for them to develop the habit of listening through storytelling," states Dolie. Besides reading the presence of public libraries and literature events helps introduce quality literature and learning to children. Dolie expressed the hope that the State will also introduce more of such events in future.
Thejavino Moa, Administrator of Stella Higher Secondary School expressed her excitement to see Bookaroo finally coming to Kohima. "I was excited to see my students getting to experience firsthand with creative people from different fields and the sessions perfectly tailored for appropriate age group was amazing," said Moa who acknowledged the efforts made by the Kohima Institute for 'bringing out students from the confines of their classrooms and opening their minds and inculcating reading for fun.'
