In an inspiring initiative to foster empathy, dialogue, and deeper understanding, Stonehill International School organised a ‘Human Library’ as part of its annual Literature Festival – Stonehill Lit Fest 2025 that was a week-long celebration of books, literature and storytelling.
Drawing from a movement that started in 2000 at the Roskilde Festival in Denmark – The Human Library Organization, the Human Library in Stonehill invited staff members to become ‘human books’ sharing their personal stories with students in small group settings, aligning with the theme of the Lit Fest – ‘I am a Story. You are a Story. We are a Story’.
This experience nurtured open-mindedness, communication skills, empathy, and a deeper appreciation for the diverse journeys that shape who we are, among students.
The event provided students with a rare opportunity to engage directly with the lived experiences of teachers and staff — from tales of overcoming adversity and navigating cultural shifts, to humorous anecdotes and reflections on life’s unexpected turns; from adopting an abandoned pet to being a motorbike enthusiast!
Each of the 12 sessions every day allowed students to ‘borrow’ one human book based on their interest. Students asked questions, and learned not just through facts, but through feelings and firsthand accounts.
The event highlighted the power of storytelling as a bridge across generations and backgrounds. Aayaan (Grade III), said, “I liked the Human Library book which spoke about us being ourselves and overcoming our fear”.
What turned out to be one of the most impactful events of the Human Library, was the inclusion of the school’s support staff such as drivers and gardeners as storytellers. To bring out the richness of their experiences, the personal accounts were translated, allowing students to access stories in multiple languages. This emphasized not only inclusivity but also the value of communication beyond linguistic boundaries.
Vijay Kumar, a support staff at Stonehill, narrated his journey from being a farmer to becoming a gardener at the school. “I truly enjoyed telling my story to students. From farming to working at Stonehill, every step has taught me something valuable. I feel proud and happy to be where I am today,” he said.
“I learnt what the Support staff do when they are here in school. I liked how the support staff had a chance to express themselves about how they feel. We often don’t see the support staff and without them the school wouldn’t be able to function,” said Jonathan (Grade III).
