January 7, Lahore
I did another workshop at the Imperial Public School. I was there to talk about a library design. It was quite a spontaneous thing. It's some time of the year where they have a lot of time other than lessons. This time I got the kids to make zines about something they knew well enough to tell someone else. The had fun and though had some difficulty developing the lay out of their zines, they compensated with decorating them with glitter paper and glue—they knew their stickers and glue well! Some of my favourite titles in this series:
- How to boil an egg
- How to make instant noodles
- How to change a bulb/ save electricity
So coming back to the library, the school people are all very excited—in fact the head mistress, Naveen, has a great idea.
She coordinates and manages the school with the vision of providing a quality education environment for the local children.
The area is home to the lower economic strata comprising mostly factory workers and daily wagers. Her idea for the library is a folding structure in wood with four panels. Incidentally that was Maras initial idea when we were developing the proposal. The watch guard/handy man in the school, Gul, really wants to make one for us. I'm not really sure but then why not? Everyone is really excited about the project—thats a good sign! Three days and 3000 rupees (CHF 30) later we have a lovely rickety library. Its not straight and I love it! Even the principal, Ali, nailed his nail. The watchman is so proud I haven’t the heart to critique…though I can't allow any nails sticking out. We will make something good out of this for sure!