Footsteps inaugurates its first children’s library under Project Britto in Mirpur

Footsteps Bangladesh, an organisation working on community empowerment to tackle poverty challenges, inaugurated its first Children's Library in Shenpara Parbata Government Primary School in Mirpur, Dhaka on October 14.

The Itrat Husain Children's Library, named after donor Riyad Shahir Husain's father, can facilitate 32 students and two librarians with space to store over 3000 books. Riyad Shahir Husain, Managing Director at NDE Infratech Ltd., generously supported Footsteps to build this library, which he provided as a gift to his father, Itrat Husain, on his 73rd birthday. The library was inaugurated in the presence of Itrat Husain's family, the school management committee, Footsteps representatives, and a number of students.

"It was a surprise from Riyad. I am so glad he took this initiative, and it also gave me an opportunity to meet everyone who will be benefiting from this library," said Itrat Hossain. The President of the school management committee, Shomo Kamrul Islam Khan, said, "The students suffered from the lack of water and additional resources for their education, and Footsteps supported them through their good initiative. We are extremely thankful to Riyad Shahir and his family, and look forward to their support."

"Through Project Britto, donors will be able to create library spaces in the names of their loved ones while ensuring a vital necessity in an educational institution. Libraries provide a space for limitless learning, and we hope to continue this project with more donor support in building children's libraries in schools across Bangladesh," said Shah Rafayat Chowdhury, Co-Founder and President of Footsteps Bangladesh.

Through Project Britto, the education and skills programme of Footsteps, the organisation intends to mobilise more donors in building libraries in primary schools, to create spaces which catalyses knowledge and learning for young promising minds across Bangladesh.