Library on two-wheeler offers children free books

SAR-I-PUL (Pajhwok): Creating a mobile library on his bicycle 12 years ago, a knowledge-loving man has been offering free poetry and painting books to children in northern Jawzjan and Sar-i-Pul provinces.

Syed Mahdi Abdullahi, who has taken the initiative to set up the mobile library, is planning director at the Education Department in Sar-i-Pul.

Abdullahi told Pajhwok Afghan News: “I created this mobile library 12 years ago. I have since been distributing free poetry and painting books to kids in Jawzjan and Sar-i-Pul provinces.”

He spends his own money on distributing painting and poetry books, as well as novels to children. He said: “I buy children books compliant with traditions and values of our society. Receipts show I have paid 107,390 afs to purchase these books over the 12-year period.”

He distributes the books based on children’s age categories. Three to six years old children are given painting books. Those above six years are offered Islamic novels and poetry collections for reading.

The children can keep these books for a period of time for reading. The books were collected back from them and distributed to other children, he said.

Out of his 12,000 afs salary, the man spends 1,500 afs to 2,500 a month on buying books from the local market.

“I distribute these books to children in villages according to a plan. Collected from one village, I shift the books to another. Thus, more children get the chance to study them,” Abdullahi explained.

He has so far distributed short-storybooks to 28,270 children -- a job that brings him a sense of satisfaction and delight.

Sar-i-Pul Education Director Maulvi Mohammad Rahmani, meanwhile, hailed Abdullahi’s initiative as an innovative way of promoting th reading culture among children.

“I wish all people have such ideas as may bring fundamental changes to our society, I ask youth to study, which could lead to the development of our society.” Rahmani remarked.

Residents of the two provinces are happy with Abdullahi’s efforts. Syed Ibrahim, who belongs to Korak the village of the provincial capital, said: “I thank Abdullahi for distributing books to our children and enabling them to read novels and writings on religious issues.”

Mustafa, an elder, also appreciated the library on wheels, saying he was happy about the valuable attempt at promoting the reading habit among children.

He said: “These books will help children read and write; Books were issued to our children last year as well. We thank him for what he has been doing.”

aw/mud