Project RISHI
University of Michigan
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MES Amritsar Initiative
Project Overview
MES Amritsar is an organization dedicated to eliminating illiteracy in Punjab, India. In collaboration with MES, our team is supporting the expansion of their school system by helping establish a library at their new facility, which will serve students from 5th to 10th grade. This initiative aims to break generational disparities by equipping underprivileged students with the education and opportunities needed to achieve a sustainable livelihood. By fostering a strong educational foundation, we hope to empower students to pursue higher learning and open doors to greater academic and professional opportunities.
Phase I: Research
September 2024 - December 2024
To better understand the needs of MES Amritsar and its students, our team conducted a series of Zoom interviews and WhatsApp calls with school administrators, teachers, and students. Through these conversations, we learned that the existing school currently serves students only up to 5th grade. To expand access to education, MES Amritsar is constructing a second school with 10 classrooms, allowing students to continue their education through 10th grade. Our research helped identify key gaps, including the need for a well-equipped library to support student learning and academic growth.
Phase 2: Library Design + Construction
December 2024 - February 2025
With a clear understanding of the school's needs, our team began designing a space aimed at fostering engagement and a love for reading. We developed a vision board outlining a welcoming and academically enriching library, curating recommendations for furniture, wall décor, and computers to ensure the environment is both student-friendly and conducive to learning.
Phase 3: Book Procurement
March 2025 - beyond
With the library construction complete and furniture installation underway, our team is now focused on curating a diverse and enriching collection of books. As we begin the book procurement process, we are currently in discussions with a vendor to assess the best approach for acquiring books that align with the students’ educational needs and interests.
Image Gallery
View the progress of our construction!
