Meet the Bookwallah Changemakers Behind Our Story
Our mission is built on the hearts of people who believe in the healing power of stories. Meet the volunteers, team, and partners turning "once upon a time" into real hope for children.
Our founder, Seena Jacob, sits down with Edgar Santos of Livraria Almedina Rato in Lisbon for our "My Bookstore" podcast. We love connecting with storytellers and book lovers around the world to share the magic of literary sanctuaries.
We get so excited when our donors from the USA visit one of our locations. It's a special moment when they can see the impact of their support firsthand and connect with the children and our local team.
Our founder, Seena Jacob, was a keynote speaker at MahaCollab 2025, sharing the profound impact of stories on children who have experienced trauma. It was an honor to share our mission on a platform dedicated to empowerment and social impact.
A flashback to our founder's TEDx talk, "Can Cinderella Heal Children of Trauma?" She shares her personal journey and the core belief that fairy tales can save a life, which is the foundation of our entire organization.
Meet Sumeet, a volunteer who uses storytelling to bring hope and joy to children in Pune. He shares that watching the kids' faces light up is priceless and that the experience has been personally transformative, teaching him patience and empathy.
A birthday tribute to our founder, Seena Jacob. Her vision, passion, and tireless dedication have created a lifeline for thousands of children. She has shown us all that with love and compassion, it is possible to change the world, one story at a time.
Actress Megha Ray shakes hands with the children at our Kings of Castle library. Her visit was a beautiful reminder of how stories and kindness can create powerful connections.
A beautiful, smiling shot of Megha Ray interacting with the children. Her warmth and engagement made the day unforgettable for everyone.
Megha Ray sits on the floor, surrounded by a circle of captivated boys. These intimate, down-to-earth moments are where the real magic happens, building trust and creating a sense of family.
The children are full of energy and excitement as they interact with Megha Ray. Her visit brought so much happiness and reinforced the idea that they are seen and valued.
About Our Changemakers: The People Behind the Magic
It takes a community to build a safe space, and our Changemakers are the heartbeat of that process. Whether it is a student dedicating their weekend to lead a story session or a corporate partner transforming an empty room into an Imagination Haven, every person here brings more than just time; they bring genuine empathy. We do not just look for volunteers; we look for individuals ready to listen and show up consistently, because for children healing from trauma, that reliable presence is the first step toward feeling safe again.
At the core of Bookwallah is the belief that everyone has a role in helping a child find their own brave ending. Our Changemakers are not just helpers; they are the facilitators of resilience.
The Changemaker Philosophy
We train our volunteers in the S.T.O.R.Y. method, a trauma-informed approach that teaches courage, kindness, and hope. It is not about simply reading a book; it is about creating a dialogue. A volunteer sits on the floor, uses puppets to voice a character's fears, or guides a child through an art activity to express feelings they cannot yet name. This practice builds emotional resilience and helps children process their experiences in a secure environment.
Why We Need You
- Consistency: Children in shelters and orphanages often face instability. Our volunteers commit to weekly sessions to provide the predictability these kids crave.
- Inclusive Storytelling: We need storytellers who are comfortable with expressive narration, sign language, and adaptive techniques to reach children of all abilities.
- Beyond Reading: We look for those who want to help with workshops, organizing our book crates, and maintaining our Imagination Havens.
Whether you are a student, a professional looking for meaningful work, or a corporate team wanting to engage with local communities, your involvement changes the narrative for a child. You do not need professional qualifications in psychology; you need a willingness to show up, learn, and offer your presence to children who need to know they are not alone.
Bookwallah
I started Bookwallah because stories were my own escape as a child, and today, I am joined by a dedicated community who share that same belief. We are a collective of dreamers and doers working to give children the tools to rewrite their own narratives.
Find your way to help
Explore how you can join our mission or support our therapeutic programs.
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