Bringing Joyful Stories to Outdoor Community Spaces
The Kahaani Sawaari (“Traveling Stories”) Project was created in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, allowing GoRead.pk to bring joyful story read-aloud sessions to children outside traditional classrooms. Today, it’s a community-wide movement reaching children in alleyways, school courtyards, homes, churches, and community centers.
Stories on Wheels
Using revamped ice cream cycles, portable reading materials, trained GoReaders, and our library of high-quality storybooks, the program brings stories directly to underprivileged children, including those not attending school. Each session is structured for learning and fun: children sit on recycled plastic mats in a cozy space, listen to a story, reviewkey vocabulary, and take a copy of the book for independent reading time. The program’s mobility allows it to reach many locations quickly and effectively.
Where It All Began
The pilot program launched in September 2021 in Lyari and Shah Faisal Colony, Karachi, in partnership with Kiran Foundation and Ra’ana Liaquat Craftsmen Colony, bringing the joy of stories to children across communities.
Closing the Cycle: Hanging Libraries
At the end of each reading cycle, GoRead.pk plants the seeds of independent reading by leaving behind Hanging Libraries at each community site. These cloth-made pocket shelves are installed at local landmarks such as tailor shops, homes, and community centers.
Children can borrow their favorite stories for free, take them home, and share them with their families—developing independent reading skills and a lasting love for books.
Kahaani aa rahee hai!
Kahaani Sawaari arrives with its own cheerful theme song, just like ice cream cycles with their jingles. As “Kahaani aa Rahee Hai” (“Stories Are Coming”) plays, children gather excitedly, and often sing along!
Watch our music video here!
Photo Gallery
Frequently Asked Questions
Kahaani Sawaari (“Traveling Stories”) is a mobile storytelling initiative that brings joyful read-aloud sessions to children in outdoor community spaces. It was launched during the COVID-19 pandemic and now reaches children in alleyways, courtyards, homes, churches, and community centers.
Using revamped ice cream cycles, portable materials, trained GoReaders, and our storybook collection, the program sets up cozy reading spaces where children listen to a story, review key vocabulary, and enjoy independent reading time.
It serves underprivileged children – especially those who are out of school or have limited access to libraries or classrooms – by bringing high-quality story sessions directly to their neighborhoods.
At the end of each reading cycle, we install cloth pocket-shelf Hanging Libraries at local spots such as tailor shops, community centers, or homes. Children can borrow storybooks for free, encouraging independent reading and a lasting love for books.
The pilot launched in September 2021 in Lyari and Shah Faisal Colony, Karachi, in collaboration with Kiran Foundation and Ra’ana Liaquat Craftsmen Colony.
You can donate to help sustain the program or sponsor a Hanging Library for Rs. 15,350, allowing children ongoing access to books and independent reading.