This action-research project seeks to develop an empowerment-based mentorship model for communities using libraries, emphasising improving their critical thinking skills. This model could be implemented in rural and urban public libraries in Karnataka. Using an iterative process and the lens of critical pedagogy, diverse pedagogical tools will be identified and used to unpack issues related to Democracy, the Constitution, Gender, Caste, Inequalities, Justice, and Self-expression.
The project aims to open up spaces of collaboration, networking, and knowledge within the library space so that people using the library can understand and engage with diverse critical thinking skills. The final goal of this project is to develop a resource toolkit that can incorporate: Critical thinking pedagogies Principles of open and distance learning and Resilience frameworks to help build capacities of individuals/groups working in government departments, NGOs, CBOs and other stakeholders to initiate similar initiatives for children within their communities or their community libraries.