KITAB Bazar is the first online-based project to enhance the accessibility and affordability of supplementary reading materials for primary-level students in Nepal. The Government of Nepal has assured equitable access to school education to all and has implemented various plans for quality improvement, but the results have not been as expected. With KITAB Bazar, there is hope for providing books and book corners to rural students while developing their intellect and gaining knowledge on various topics through various books and academics.
We have now executed the plan to provide books and book corners to multiple parts of the country, which was successful in the first trial. We can say that there were challenges for us and a positive impact on the lives of children due to this.
The Challenge - Modern technologies, modern challenges
Some of the schools located far from the main roads that we had worked with faced challenges like difficulty in receiving the books as the road conditions were not so good, while some said that there were no roads. Also, as per the statements given by some schools, they had to carry the books to schools themselves as there are no specific means of transportation in that area. Other challenges mentioned by the schools were the unavailability of the internet and occasionally lights. Moreover, some had challenges with payment procedures too. However, other schools informed us they did not face such problems receiving the books.
We have collected the experiences of the schools through phone interviews with the schools who used the platform and we asked a few questions and some answers are quoted below regarding the challenges involved; “We faced some difficulties as there are no roads with access to vehicles to the school. We had to carry the books from where the delivery company left them.” Ganga Bhawani School - “There were some difficulties as the books had to be carried as there were no roads.” Shri Kali Bhairab School - “ Yes. There were some difficulties as the roads were damaged and vehicles were difficult to run due to the rainy season. We have not yet checked the books.” Shri Shajendreswor School- “There are some small inconveniences when the lights are cut off, or the internet connection is not working.” Shree Om Basic school - “ We didn’t know which bank to go to since the mentioned bank was not available in our area, so we went to the CDC, and Bhawana ma’am helped us with the transaction of the books.”
The Solution - Reducing time and effort
Beforehand, if there were any issues in receiving the books from the schools, we contacted the CDC and offered the choice of working in collaboration with the CDC members or the local government. Many schools collaborated with the CDC or social workers in that area to solve common problems. By working with the CDC team operating in that area, they were able to assist in the delivery of the books to the schools, which eased the transportation issues, accessibility issues, and payment difficulties faced by the schools that had ordered the books through KITAB Bazar. Phone interviews conducted with the schools made use of the KITAB Bazar platform and as they reported the practicality of the platform. Through phone conversations with the schools that used the platform, we were able to gather information about their experiences. We asked a few questions, and some of the responses are provided below. Kala Dhunga school - “I don’t know exactly. The books arrived in CDC, and one of the staff from CDC brought the books to school, so there were no problems.” Mahadev Basic School - “ No, there was no problem since the books were kept in a nearby shop. One of the ma’am from CDC informed us that the books were kept there.”
The Theme - Tech and books is the future
Schools can implement result-based financing and increase students' access to additional reading materials by using the KITAB Bazar platform to order books. The platform helped ease the overall process of selecting, ordering, and purchasing books in coordination with municipalities and publishing houses.
The Implementation
The schools that had an alliance with KITAB Bazar were provided training on using the platform with proper collaboration with the publishers and delivery partners. Later, schools were allowed to manage the purchasing process by placing their orders, choosing their books, and making purchases. This process has surely made the schools more independent and saved their time from the hassle of going to the market searching for books. We were able to learn about the experiences of the schools that used the platform through phone interactions with them. Some of the answers to the questions we posed are shown below.
Shree Shajendraswor Secondary School - “With KITAB Bazar, we can easily order and receive books on time. They also provide us discounts, which is profitable for the school overall. KITAB Bazar has freed us from the hassle of going to the market ourselves. One can easily select books required on the platform, which has made it easier for us, which is one of the benefits of using the platform.”
The Results - Changing prospects on reading
The excitement level of the school children after handing over the books that the schools had ordered is ecstatic. School children who love to tag along with a book and dive into their imagination have had their best experiences using those books. Positive impacts on students, like reading skills, are enhanced through this approach and their parents. Schools involved with KITAB Bazar also recommend it to other schools. Through phone conversations with the schools that used the platform, we were able to learn about their experiences. Below are some of the responses to the queries we presented.
Shri Om Basic School - “The students read the books when they’re free. There is improvement in their reading skills.”
Tedi Secondary school - “In the absence of teachers, students utilized their time on books and enjoyed reading.”
Ganga Bhawani School - “Yes, it is also necessary for other schools. They are excited to see the books and ask if books related to exams are also available. They even ask their mothers to read them. It would be nice if this happens in other communities as well.”
At a glance
The customer
KITAB Bazar is an online-based digital platform that enables results-based financing as a solution to improve access to supplementary reading materials in schools, reaching 875 community schools in Morang and Sunsari districts and with current users from 25 schools in Doti and Kailali Districts.
Business Need
Through the School Sector Development Plan 2016-23 (SSDP), the Government of Nepal (GoN) has assured all equitable access to school education. It has implemented various plans for quality improvement, but the results have not been as expected. Especially due to the low performance in early grade reading and writing skills.
Solution
Through KITAB Bazar, connection with the publishers and the delivery partners with a self-sustaining platform gives schools the freedom to choose books independently, from purchasing to delivering the services.
Results
The books received from KITAB Bazar have improved academic skills among the children with the use of books. Children are eager to learn, and coming to school is a major benefit. The KITAB Bazar project has left a positive impression on the children, their families, and the community.