India’s first slum library, community centre inaugurated in Anantnag
Initiative aims to empower underprivileged children through education, books and community support; founder calls learning a lifelong gift that can transform generations
Anantnag: In a significant step towards promoting education among marginalized communities, an NGO ‘We Volunteers’ on Monday inaugurated what it described as India’s first slum library and community centre at Anchidoora in south Kashmir’s Anantnag district.
The initiative has been launched with the objective of providing educational opportunities and a safe learning environment to children belonging to economically weaker sections, particularly families residing in informal settlements. The library has been established through public donations and community support, and is expected to serve as a centre for learning, skill development and social empowerment.
Speaking to ‘Kashmir Vision’, founder and chairman of ‘We Volunteers’, Malik Asif Noor, said the project is much more than a library, describing it as an effort to transform neglected communities into empowered generations.
“This is a first-of-its-kind initiative. We have started it from Kashmir, but our vision is to take this movement to every corner of India. Millions of children across the country live in slums and lack access to quality education and learning resources. Through this initiative, we want to create opportunities that can change lives,” Noor said.
He said the library has been set up in Anchidoora, where around 50 families originally from Sunderbani in Rajouri district have been living for years. Many children from these households face educational and social challenges due to limited access to resources.
According to Noor, the project has been funded entirely through donations and voluntary contributions. He expressed confidence that with continued public support, the initiative would be sustained and expanded in the future.
“Providing food or clothes certainly helps people, but only for a limited period. Education, however, is a lifelong gift. When you educate one child, that child can go on to educate others and contribute positively to society. The impact continues for generations,” he said.
The founder said dedicated volunteers have been assigned to manage the library and community centre on a regular basis. Besides a collection of books and educational material, the facility has also been equipped with essential amenities, including safe drinking water, sanitary napkins and hygiene products, particularly aimed at supporting women and young girls.
He said the centre is designed not only as a reading space but also as a platform where children can develop confidence; improve literacy skills and dream of a better future.
Noor urged philanthropists, social organizations and members of the public to support similar initiatives aimed at ensuring that every child has access to basic education and opportunities for personal growth.
“People must come forward and support such efforts. Education enables individuals to stand on their own feet, earn a dignified livelihood and become responsible members of society. No child should be deprived of this fundamental right,” he said.
Sharing his experience of working with the community, Noor said he has been visiting the area regularly for the last three months and interacting closely with the children.
“I have spent the past three months with these children and their families. They deserve a dignified life and equal opportunities. Providing them access to education through this library is the first and most important step towards building a brighter future for them,” he added.
Local residents welcomed the initiative and expressed hope that the library and community centre would open new avenues of learning and development for children who otherwise have limited access to educational facilities.
The project marks an important community-driven effort in Kashmir, highlighting how education can become a powerful tool for social transformation and empowerment among vulnerable sections of society.
