Small is beautiful: the Library Train for homeless children

Abstract

Presents an inspiring story of a determined effort to reach out to the children in highrisk situations providing them with a charming library in old train carriages. The Library Train Project was initiated in 1999 by the railway policemen of the Railway Police Division within the Royal Thai Police. It is aimed at offering education services to homeless children as a way to reduce the crime rate and child exploitation by channelling children to more constructive activities. The library is equipped with a book collection, toys and computers. It serves as an informal classroom where learning activities take place everyday. The children learn to read and write and to appreciate cleanliness, good health and beauty from a carefully designed and nurturing environment. This paper also highlights creative approaches used by the project's initiator, which is gaining support from governmental and nongovernmental organisations, mass media, libraries and the general public. © 2002, MCB UP Limited