According to a recent United Nations report, one of the key indications of the limitations suffered by poorer Moroccans is the number of books families provide their children. The report states that 21.1% of Moroccan families have at most three books for their children, unlike wealthier Moroccan families that can afford to offer their offspring several books per child
In Fez, the Medina Children's Library, which is open between 10am and 7pm every day, provides the opportunity and the resources to help open young minds to the creativity, imagination,and inspiration that in inside each of them.
The library was started by a group of neighbours living in the Fez Medina.
"We wanted to offer the children in our community a place where they could discover books and develop a love of reading.' says author Suzanna Clarke. She points out that this is the only public library in the Medina and the only children’s library in Fez.
Since opening in January 2015 the library has enjoyed capacity attendance every day with more than 3000 visits in the first three months of operation. There is a huge need here and it's exciting to see the immediate response from the kids.
The UN report makes specific mention of children's rights, including playing with other children of the same age or reading books. At the library, with its excursions and storytelling sessions, they get the chance to do both.
 |
| Storytelling session in the library |
With a specific focus on pre-readers and developing readers (up to the age of 14 years old), the library seeks to provide a welcoming place where children have easy access to age and culturally appropriate books and resources. Here they may browse and read books at the library, participate in Story Time where volunteers read aloud to a small group, as well as borrow books to take home to read and share with their families.
The library needs more books and is entirely supported by donations. Please help by making a small (or large!) donation today. There is a PayPal link on the library website:
Medina Children’s Library
41bis Swiqt ben Safi, Zkak Rouah – Talaa Sghira
Fez, Morocco 30000
+212 (0)5 35 63 83 71
PLEASE SHARE THIS!
No comments:
Post a Comment