MES grew out of a voluntary initiative started in 2016 by a group of individuals with expertise in education and literature to make available child-friendly, culturally-relevant and pedagogically- appropriate children’s books in Tibetan language. Realizing that the availability and access to high-quality children’s books are crucial for boosting literacy and increasing children’s overall school achievement, MES’ work began with the publication of five children’s picture books in Tibetan language in 2016. This was followed by more publications and training for children’s book writers, illustrators and translators in Tibetan language.

As critical needs and gaps are identified, MES’ work began to expand. In 2017, MES launched ‘Tibetan Baby Box’ program to educate parents of newborns on the importance of Early Childhood Care & Education (ECCE). The training focuses on criticality of the early childhood years, and ECCE best practices including strategies for providing language nutrition, free play, and positive parent-child relationships. Families were gifted with a Baby Box/Bag containing high-quality children’s board books, sensorial aids, and essential hygiene products for newborns. In 2018, as a part of its ECCE programs, MES started supporting baby creches by providing workshops to caretakers and donating developmentally-appropriate materials and baby board books.

In 2020, amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, MES started its Manjushri Children’s Library project. This community library serves children in Dharamsala region by providing access to high-quality literature and literacy development programs.