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Friends with books [Week, The (Oman)](Week, The (Oman) Via Acquire Media NewsEdge) While the wait for the country's first children's library continues, there are initiatives that are taking the books to the children. "It's about introducing them to the art of reading, purely for pleasure, to let them know books," said Anne Bouji, senior manager of book publishing for Sindbad Children's Mobile Library Project and Corporate Social Responsibility, Al Roya Press and Publishing House. Its second mobile library is being fitted out and will be on the road soon. The first was launched in April, the aim being one mobile library for each wilayat. Maktabati, Oman's first mobile library, was launched in December last year by Dar al Atta'a. "It is widely acknowledged that reading for pleasure improves literacy through the des-ire to read. Reading changes lives, improves employability, social interaction, enfranchisement and can have a positive effect on mental health and happiness," said Jane Jaffer, the force behind Dar al Atta'a's Let's Read Campaign. The Let's Read Campaign came about in 2007 with play rooms, libraries and reading areas being set up for children in hospitals, schools, nurseries and other institutions around the country. "We also conduct story-telling sessions and try to support reading initiatives in schools," said Jane. On the last Saturday of each month, volunteers and school students sell used books which are donated at Al Qurm Complex to raise funds for projects. "With the money raised, we buy books, in both Arabic and English, to distribute among children in Oman," Jane said. Maktabati, a 60-seater bus, travels around the country, visiting schools, parks, shopping areas and festivals. "Children who have the chance to choose their own books are much more motivated to read them. When children visit Maktabati, they are encouraged to purchase books at highly subsidised prices and then return and exchange them at their next visit," Jane said. "There is nothing as precious as inviting children to read. I appreciate seeing a bus in our neighbourhood full of books instead of ice-creams, our children are offered food for their brains," said Zahra Dawood of Apple Green Private School. "I went on the bus and wanted to buy everything on it. Bookmarks are a great idea to sell at the same time as the books," said a grade five student from Al Sahwa School. According to Jane, the response from schools requesting visits, children reading, choosing books and listening to story-telling on the bus have all been overwhelming. "We hope that in our small way, we can contribute to the development of a reading culture in Oman. It's true that children spend many hours on their computers, which is a great tool for information. But there is no substitute for a good book where one can read in greater depth. When we read, we have to use our imagination and this is vital to the development of initiative and creativity." And the interest isn't restricted to children alone. Anne has observed mothers participating in activities, listening eagerly and educators too requesting copies of books in their schools. Sindbad carries 3,000 titles and back-up stock. "We have books for children from three to 16 years which include fairy tales, novels, classics and Islamic studies. We get books from Muscat International Book Fair, local bookstores and donations from local international schools." Sindbad had been in the works for more than two years. "We have to make sure the vehicle is fully operational with a good supply of books for children to borrow. The books have been especially written for the mobile library. When we visit, we give children books to keep at home so that over time, they can have their own library at home," Anne said. Back from a trip to Salalah, the mobile library was launched in Ibri and has since been to Nizwa, Sur, Hamra, Sumail and Ibra. Anne, who holds story-telling sessions in English, said the turnout has been very encouraging. "There are Q&A sessions apart from the story-telling so children appreciate it. They are absolutely excited when the mobile library arrives in the village on the weekends. The crowd can be around 75 and go to 300. It is a sight to see them walking over the hills once word goes out." Yasmine Lemos has written three titles especially for Sindbad. "Children in Oman, more so in the villages, do not have access to bookstores. Anne wanted stories based in Oman as children would not be able to relate to Jack and Jill. But a Laila and Ali in Oman would make a difference. So I wrote one book for girls, another for boys and a third for both girls and boys. They are based on incidents that happened to us as a family," said the mother of a nine year old girl, Anna who also drew the illustrations for the books. So Laila's Schoolbag, The Lost Seashell and Tahira the Turtle are all stories from Anna's life. The bilingual books appeal to the 4-7 age group. The fourth, for seven to 15 year olds, involves Oman and India, a little bit of history, the Gonu cyclone and a peacock, Yasmine said excitedly, adding that she has never written for Arabic speakers before. "This country has given my family much happiness so I am delighted to give something back." (c) 2014 Apex Press and Publishing Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (Syndigate.info). |