The Human Library - reviving oral storytelling | Aga Khan Academies

The Human Library - reviving oral storytelling

03 November 2017
Organized by teachers Vasanthi Thandlam and Ajey Balaji last week, The Human Library gave students an opportunity to learn from a diverse array of storytellers. 
 
“The Human Library” is an international organization and movement that started in Copenhagen, Denmark in 2000. It was implemented in India during April of this year, starting in Delhi. The Academy took the initiative to create its own Human Library. On the 1st of November, four people from far-flung regions of the world came together to share their inspirational stories. Avril from Ireland, Anya from Russia, Marvellous from Zambia and Gulandam from Afghanistan narrated personal anectodes and answered questions posed by the audience.
 
“I realized everyone faces hardships in life. I heard Ms.Anya, the Russian narrator, speak about challenges she encountered when she travelled from the eastern to the western part of Russia. My take away from the Human Library session is to be courageous and overcome obstacles instead of shying away from them,” said participant Kaushik of grade 6.
 
Amaanya of grade 6 commented, “I found that I could make real life connections while I was listening to the personal story of the narrator. There is so much to learn from the life and experience of others.” Shiza also shared about her experience: "I enjoy reading books on my Kindle. Although reading books is fun, human books build a special bond between the narrator and the listener. The personal connection between the storyteller and me was unique as I got to recollect my childhood story sessions with my mom and grandma."

Organized by Ms. Vasanthi Thandlam and Mr. Ajey Balaji, the event included a surprise lunch especially for the participants. When asked why she organized the event, Vasanthi stated, “The art of traditional, oral storytelling is dying out. We wanted to help revive the age-old art.” The Human Library project, she argues, is reflective of an exploration of the ways in which storytelling can be adapted to the changing times. The Human Library was designed to provide a framework for conversations that challenge stereotypes and prejudices through positive dialogue. 
 
 
Contributor: Vasanthi Thandlam 
Writer: Jennifer Tubbs