REACHING FLOOD AFFECTED CHILDREN IN PAKISTAN

The "Humara Kutubkhanas" initiative, a visionary project led by the Alif Laila Book Bus Society and backed by GlobalGiving and the Children in Crisis Fund, aims to transform educational landscapes in the flood-hit regions of Sindh, particularly in Jamshoro and Sukkur. A notable recent achievement is the inauguration of the NAO SCHOOL AUR KUTUBKHANA, a Boat Library and School, along the shores of Basti Yar Muhammad, Basti Qadir Baksh, and Basti Wahid Baksh.

1. Static Libraries in Schools (Sukkur and Jamshoro): - Located in multiple schools, these libraries cater to student populations from 137 to 538, offering an extensive range of books and a plethora of creative learning activities, including storytelling and puppet shows.

2. Camel Libraries (Amal and Sukoon): - These mobile libraries, borne by camels, adeptly reach remote and flood-affected zones, providing an imaginative and thrilling way to deliver educational materials to children.

3. Boat Library and School (NAO SCHOOL AUR KUTUBKHANA): - This unique floating library and community school, which also enhances early literacy skills, serves children in various Bastis via waterways. It supports a total of 107 beneficiaries, including 42 girls and 65 boys, creating an adventurous and captivating reading environment.

Feedback and Impact: - Across all projects, there's enthusiastic feedback from teachers and students alike. Educators appreciate the resource availability, training, and engagement opportunities, while students relish the easy access and diverse activities.
- The Boat Library and School, in particular, have sparked a wave of excitement among children. Their comments reflect a newfound joy in learning and reading:

Children's Comments on the Boat Library and School: - "It's like a magical journey every time we step onto the boat. Each book feels like a new adventure!" - [A girl from Basti Yar Muhammad]
- "I never knew a school could float! It’s so much fun learning here. The water around makes every story more interesting." - [A boy from Basti Qadir Baksh]
- "The boat library is the best part of my day. I love how we can read and see the river at the same time." - [A girl from Basti Wahid Baksh]

Future Plans: - The Alif Laila Book Bus Society is set to further enhance the library spaces, with a particular focus on expanding collections in science and technology.
- A new initiative includes establishing Tech Hubs, complete with maker spaces, to provide children with hands-on technological learning experiences.
- Additional teacher training sessions are also in the pipeline to deepen the educational impact.

Conclusion: This initiative has made a remarkable imprint on the educational journey of children in the flood-affected areas of Sindh. By offering unique, accessible, and engaging educational resources, these libraries have not only promoted a love for reading and learning but have also brought educational enrichment and joy right to the communities' doorsteps. The innovative approach of the Boat Library and School is a testament to the project's commitment to overcoming geographical and logistical challenges to educate and inspire.