Manjiree and Sham Nikam are doting grandparents to six grandchildren, ranging in age from six weeks to nine years. They treasure storytime with them and believe all children should have access to books that transport them to different places and broaden their understanding of the world. That belief is what inspired the couple to fund this year’s Books on Break fair at Bonlee School.
Manjiree knew about the Books on Break program—free book fairs at Chatham County Schools’ Title 1 and rural schools–through her position as a CEF board member. After recently moving to Chatham County in retirement, Manjiree joined the CEF board because elementary through high school education is a priority for her family’s gifting foundation. The couple are strong supporters of early literacy skills and are passionate about ensuring children have access to resources that help them grow as readers and connect to the wider world.
At the Books on Break fairs students choose and keep 4–5 books of their own to read over the summer. All books are brand-new and include high-interest fiction, nonfiction, graphic novels, bilingual titles, and magazines. The program helps combat summer learning loss and encourages a lifelong love of reading by putting books students want to read directly into their hands.
Each class gets 30 minutes at the fair. After hearing about the types of books available from CEF staff, students are free to explore—look at covers, flip through pages, and find books that both spark their interest and fit their reading level. Class teachers and volunteers help students find “just right” books and then pack them in tote bags to take home.
Students who are part of the exceptional children’s program receive their own private time to shop for books, highlighting the important role public schools and community partnerships play in creating opportunities for every child to thrive.
Manjiree and Sham were delighted to attend and volunteer at Bonlee’s Books on Break event in May, where 200 students took home nearly 840 books. “It was a joy watching the kids go shopping and seeing the dynamics of the students as they negotiated with their friends on which books to pick and then trade,” Manjiree said. “They were so well behaved, and we were glad to be a part of it.”
Many of the students personally thanked the Nikams, with one student even pointing to Sham on his way out and proclaiming in awe, “Dude, that guy bought all the books.” Let’s just say the students were impressed to meet real-life superheroes–those who care enough to give them books of their very own. During the fair, Bonlee’s principal Nissa Bennett Wells, Bonlee’s PTA president Lauren King-Dillon and CEF’s board chair Mary Lou Huisking presented Manjiree and Sham with a certificate of appreciation.
“This gift beautifully reflects what Chatham Education Foundation is all about—neighbors coming together to support students and expand opportunities for children,” said Mary Lou Huisking. “It was wonderful to see the excitement on students’ faces as they chose books of their own, and we are so thankful to Manjiree and Sham for helping bring Books on Break to Bonlee School.”
For the Nikams, supporting Books on Break was about more than funding a book fair—it was about investing in children, public education, and the opportunities that help young readers grow. Through her involvement with CEF, and after many years supporting nonprofit organizations and community causes, Manjiree has seen the important role community partnerships play in ensuring every child has the resources they need to succeed.