More Than a Library
In the refugee camps in Arsal there is a new initiative to bring books to children living in the camps there. We travelled to the region in October 2021 and met a number of especially bright children who weren’t able to attend school for various reasons. One of the children a boy named Khaled Al-Khatib whose mother was killed in Syria and now he lives with his father and five older siblings in a tent. His father was left with severe PTSD from the war in Syria which resulted in his losing his memory, and he struggles to take care of his son. We asked whether there was anything we could bring him. His answer; a storybook. We searched Arsal, thinking that a book would be something relatively easy to find, but that ended up being almost impossible. We spent three days looking for an appropriate book in Arsal and could not find one. This was why the idea of a children’s library was born.
Through the magic of literature, pictures, reading, listening and sharing stories, 'More Than A Library' provides a window into a world of creativity and imagination. It is also an opportunity to socialise in a safe and monitored setting - so vital in the bleak environment they currently find themselves in.
The books are bought in Beirut from a wonderful small independent bookshop, and a donation of books in English has also been delivered. We currently have five library leaders who each live in a different camp and have a fifth of the library with which to run a book club. A years salary for one book leader is $600 ($50 per month) and it is hoped that we can recruit more library leaders as we increase the number of books through donations and purchases.
MEET THE BOOK LEADERS
This is Weam Bakr. Born in the countryside of Damascus, Weam is 39 years old and is currently living in Arsal at the Shelter Al-Ward camp.
Children registered in her library: 33
Experience: An employee at the Medical Technical Institute of Al-Nebke / an employee at the Technical Institute for Banking and Financial Sciences, Damascus / Ministry of Higher Education
Phone number: 0096176143470
Email: weambaker841@gmail.com
Weam is currently being sponsored by Amy Sabic – thank you Amy! 🙂
This is Amena Alabd. Born in Homs, Syria, Amena is 45 years old and currently living in Arsal at the Alabrar camp.
Children registered in her library: 60
Experience: Volunteer with Amel International in the reproductive health project / Volunteer with ACF in the health awareness project / Volunteer with TDH Italia in the psychosocial support to the children project
Phone number: 0096176438208
Email: amna.alabd.123@gmail.com
Amena is currently being sponsored by Wrigglers – thank you Wrigglers! 🙂
This is Amar Khaled Bakkar. Born in Homs, Syria, Amar is 23 years old and currently living in Arsal at the Om Alqora camp.
Children registered in her library: 45
Experience: Teacher in AlHaditha school / Teacher for the ‘I Am A Human’ organisation
Phone number: 0096179138306
Email: Kamarbakar39@gmail.com
Amar is currently being sponsored by Aisling and Mike – thank you Ailing! Thank you Mike! 🙂
This is Ruba Mami. Born in the countryside of Damascus, Syria, Ruba is 19 years old and currently living in Arsal at the Elton camp.
Children registered in her library: 65
Experience: Former nurse at Arsal Medical Hospital Al-Rahma
Phone number: 0096181465684
Email: rubamame@gmail.com
This is Zelal Ghorli. Born in the countryside of Damascus, Syria, Zelal is 26 years old and currently living in Arsal at the Al Moaalmeen camp.
Children registered in her library: 35
Experience: Volunteer for Amel association
Phone number: 0096176475416
Email: zeal.ghorly96@gmail.com
Zelal is currently being sponsored by Lenka Udovicki and Rade Serbedzija – thank you Lenka and Rade! 🙂
more coming...
If there is a book leader in particular that you would like to donate to, just add her name in the comment section when making your donation.
You can also choose to sponsor a book leader by setting up a monthly donation of 50 USD per month, and by adding the chosen book leaders name in the comment section, this will go directly to paying her salary each month.
Thank you!
Our goal is to keep expanding 'More Than A Library' until each of the camps has its own library and library leader.
By setting up a monthly donation you could continuously financially support women in Arsal that are in much need of a job and enable them to continue helping these children.
