The Harrell Center for the Study of Family Violence is collecting books for children in the Himalayans.  In collaboration with the Research Institute of World’s Ancient Traditions Cultures and Heritage (RIWATCH), this effort promotes reading for children in rural areas.

A community initiative program, RIWATCH organized “Joy of Reading” workshops to promote good reading habits among children of different schools in and around Roing, Lower Dibang Valley, India.

“We seek soft-covered books that are in good condition for children and adolescents,” said Martha Coulter, DrPH, MSW, professor and director of The Harrell Center.  “These donations will be delivered by bicycle, which is why we ask specifically for soft covered books that are light weight. “

The Harrell Center is partnering with Vijay Swami, a librarian based in India, to deliver the books. He seeks recreational reading materials and educational books.

“With all of your support, the library movement will reach at the door level of every child, so that they can become better humans in the world,” Swami said. “We appreciate your efforts.”

Collection boxes are conveniently located in the Colleges of Public Health, Nursing, and Medicine, as well as the Lawton and Rhea Chiles Center, School of Physical Therapy & Rehabilitation Sciences, Shimberg Health Sciences Library, USF Health Faculty Office Building, and The WELL.  Donations can also be mailed to The Harrell Center, 13201 Bruce B. Downs Blvd., MDC 56, Tampa, FL 33612-3807.

Book donations are accepted through the last week in April. For additional information contact The Harrell Center’s director Dr. Coulter at mcoulter@health.usf.edu or student assistant Natasha Hojati at nhojati@health.usf.edu.

The mission of The Harrell Center is to develop and integrate knowledge with best practices to strengthen community responses to family violence. In essence, they seek to end family violence by understanding it.

The Department of Community and Family Health in the USF College of Public Health is the academic home for The Harrell Center.  The department offers more than 10 concentrations that lead to MPH, MSPH, DrPH, and PhD degrees, as well as dual degrees, special programs, and graduate certificates.

Written by Natasha Hojati, The Harrell Center for the Study of Family Violence