Children's Perspectives on Education Captured in 'Kalakriti II'

New Delhi, India Jul 17, 2026 ALN: The publication of ‘Kalakriti II’ marks a significant step in understanding children's perspectives on education, showcasing their thoughts and ideas through a creative medium. This six-month project involved a comprehensive process of writing, illustration, translation, and bookbinding, culminating in a multilingual book that reflects the voices of young readers. The initiative was organized by Bookworm, a community library network in Goa, in collaboration with the Communicare Trust, a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting education and literacy.

‘Kalakriti II’ answers the question, "What makes a good school?" through the contributions of ninety-three readers from various Bookworm libraries across Goa. The book is multilingual, featuring stories in multiple languages, including Hindi and Konkani, which not only highlights the linguistic diversity of the region but also emphasizes the importance of inclusivity in educational discourse.

The launch event took place at Bookworm in Mala, where participants and community members gathered to celebrate the culmination of their efforts. This event not only showcased the finished product but also highlighted the collaborative nature of the project, which aimed to engage children in meaningful conversations about their educational experiences and aspirations.

The first edition of ‘Kalakriti’, published in 2017, focused on environmental issues, specifically waste management. In contrast, ‘Kalakriti II’ shifts the focus to quality education, a topic that resonates deeply in contemporary discussions about educational reform and the evolving landscape of learning. The project began in September 2025 and was designed to span six months, during which various interactive sessions were held at multiple Bookworm libraries located in Seraulim, Saligao, Carona, Chimbel, Cacra, and Mala. This broader outreach allowed for greater participation and representation of children's voices, moving beyond the traditional school-based format of previous editions.

In a departure from earlier projects that primarily involved students from Classes 5 to 9, this edition invited all Bookworm library members to participate without a selection process. This inclusivity reflects a growing recognition of the importance of diverse perspectives in shaping educational policies and practices. Sinead Vaz, the project's coordinator and an author, played a pivotal role in initiating this collaboration with Bookworm, aiming to broaden the project's reach and impact.

Twenty-nine participants contributed stories, which were organized into three groups, each tasked with crafting narratives inspired by UNESCO’s Sustainable Development Goal of Quality Education. This alignment with global educational standards underscores the relevance of the project in a broader context, linking local voices to international frameworks aimed at improving education worldwide. Other participants contributed through illustrations, translations, book layout, and bookbinding, showcasing a range of talents and skills within the community.

Students from Classes 6 to 10 took on the challenge of translating the stories, utilizing dictionaries and the assistance of volunteers to ensure accuracy and clarity. The translations were meticulously proofread by Prashanti Talpankar and Sneha Sabnis, ensuring that the children's original messages were preserved. Nalini Elvino de Sousa, the manager of Communicare Trust and editor of ‘Kalakriti II’, emphasized the importance of maintaining the authenticity of the children's voices in both writing and translation. She noted that her editing involved only minor spelling and grammatical corrections, thereby respecting the original style and expression of the young authors.

De Sousa highlighted the project's goal of understanding children's views on education, particularly in the context of the National Education Policy (NEP) in India, which has generated considerable debate and confusion among educators and parents alike. Some educators perceive the NEP as a mandate for students to engage with a broader range of subjects, including arts, mathematics, and geography, while others interpret it as an encouragement for fostering creativity and independent thinking. By focusing on children's perspectives, ‘Kalakriti II’ seeks to bridge this gap and provide insights into what young learners truly value in their educational experiences.

Participants expressed a range of values in their narratives, often diverging from traditional adult concerns centered around grades and career paths. Instead, they emphasized connections with nature, animal welfare, and the significance of having school counselors. This shift in focus highlights the need for educational systems to recognize and nurture the holistic development of children, incorporating emotional and social learning alongside academic achievement.

Tanya Tavora, the assistant manager of Communicare Trust, identified translation as one of the most significant challenges of the project. Many participants were more comfortable communicating in Konkani than in Hindi or , which necessitated careful consideration in the translation process to ensure that children's thoughts were accurately represented. This challenge underscores the linguistic diversity present in Goa and the importance of fostering multilingual capabilities in educational settings.

As a token of appreciation, all participants and contributors who played a role in the creation of ‘Kalakriti II’ will receive a copy of the book. The remaining copies are set to be distributed through a fundraising concert scheduled to take place in Margao in September. This innovative approach not only promotes the book but also supports local schools, as buyers of donation passes for the concert will effectively pay for a copy of ‘Kalakriti II’ that can be donated to a school of their choice. This initiative exemplifies the community spirit and collaborative effort behind the project, reinforcing the idea that education is a shared responsibility.

Looking ahead, Communicare Trust is already planning its next publication, titled ‘Life on Land’, in partnership with St. Bartholomew’s High School in Chorao. This upcoming book is part of the Stories From Here and Beyond series, a collaborative initiative involving Communicare Trust, AVOAR, an NGO based in Portugal, and Instituto Guimarães Rosa in Brazil. This international collaboration reflects a commitment to fostering cross-cultural exchanges and broadening the scope of children's literature, emphasizing the importance of global perspectives in local educational contexts.

In conclusion, ‘Kalakriti II’ serves as a vital platform for children to express their views on education, encouraging dialogue about what constitutes a quality educational experience. By amplifying young voices and fostering community engagement, the project not only enriches the literary landscape of Goa but also contributes to the ongoing discourse on educational reform and the importance of listening to the perspectives of those most affected by these policies: the students themselves.