REACHING FLOOD AFFECTED CHILDREN IN PAKISTAN

The Flood Affected Libraries initiative continues to blossom, bringing the magic of books to children in the farthest reaches. This month, nine Camel Libraries—Roshen, Nayab, Amal, Sakoon, Khushi-2, Mashal, and Raunaq—completed their journeys, each making 12 visits and touching the lives of countless young souls.

In remote villages where the light of education barely flickers, these libraries have kindled a flame. Literacy rates among children are soaring as they eagerly await the arrival of the Camel Library, their faces lighting up with each new book they receive. The visits have become a highlight in their lives, not just a routine but a celebration of learning.

In these isolated communities, the Camel Libraries are more than just a source of knowledge—they are gathering places, centers of unity where residents come together, drawn by a shared purpose. Yet, the journey is not without its hardships. The harsh weather, limited resources, and challenging infrastructure often test the resolve of those who make this mission possible.

In Kohlo, Baluchistan, the Umeed Library reaches out to children in villages like Killi Masood and Faisalabad Kohlu. Every month, 336 children—96 girls and 216 boys—immerse themselves in stories that transport them beyond their reality. In Khair Pur, Sindh, the Mashal Library visits six villages, where 336 children eagerly await their turn to flip through the pages of the books they’ve come to treasure.

The Nayab Library travels through the sands of Cholistan, where 252 children in five villages find solace and inspiration in its collection. Amal, in Sukkur, IRC, serves 360 children in five villages, each visit a beacon of hope in a world that can often feel so distant. Sakoon, also in Sukkur, reaches 228 children, while Raunaq lights up the lives of 240 children in Nara, Sindh. The Khushi-2 Library, true to its name, brings joy to 360 children across five villages. And the Boat Library in Rajan Pur, Punjab, defies the odds, even when the river swells, shifting its school and library to ensure 336 children continue to receive the gift of knowledge.

In Dera Allah Yar, Balochistan, the Hamara Apna School stands as a testament to resilience. Rebuilt with bamboo after devastating floods, this eco-friendly structure has ensured that education remains uninterrupted. The children, once displaced by the waters, now study in a safe, sustainable environment, their thirst for learning undiminished.

Sukkur and Jamshoro are home to Hamara Kutab Khana, where libraries have been set up in multiple schools. In Sukkur, 1450 children find refuge in these spaces of learning, while in Jamshoro, 1240 children are similarly engaged, lost in the worlds that books open up for them.

The total number of children touched by these libraries is 4974—2255 boys and 2719 girls. Each one of them carries a story of transformation. Ayesha from Roshen Camel Library, just 11 years old, adores fairy tales and borrows books to continue her adventures at home. Samina, a 10-year-old from Mashal, never attended school but learned to read through the library’s visits. Fiza and Ibrahim from Nayab, siblings with a shared passion for books, now dream of other cities. Uzma from Amal, a 12-year-old who juggles family duties, finds solace in reading during her free time. Abdullah from Sakoon, passionate about science and animals, devours every book he can find. Farzana from Khushi, 12 years old, shares the stories she reads with her family and friends. Maria from Raunaq, at just 8 years old, listens intently to every story. And Ayan from Umeed, a 13-year-old storyteller, loves science experiments, blending knowledge with creativity.

But challenges remain. The weather sometimes disrupts visits, and maintaining a diverse collection of books is a constant struggle. The roads, often poor and treacherous, make access difficult. Yet, despite the rains and the threat of mini floods, these projects stand tall, supported by the unwavering dedication of those behind them. The Boat Library continues to sail even when the river rises, and the Bamboo School remains a sanctuary for learning, proof that resilience can be woven into the very fabric of education.

The feedback from children and their parents, captured in heartfelt video recordings, is overwhelmingly positive. The children's enthusiasm for reading grows with each visit, and their communities are deeply grateful for the opportunities these libraries provide.

Looking to the future, the Camel Libraries aim to expand, forging stronger partnerships and enhancing the educational experiences they offer. This initiative stands as a beacon of hope, a testament to the power of books and the unyielding spirit of those who bring them to the children who need them most.

The catastrophic floods in Pakistan have not only devastated infrastructure but also disrupted the educational journey of countless children. This report highlights the creative initiatives undertaken to reach flood-affected children and ensure the continuity of their education and mental well-being through innovative library projects and educational activities.

Humara Kutubkhana Projects in Sindh and Jamshoro
In the heart of Sindh and Jamshoro, the Humara Kutubkhana project has deployed solar-powered libraries that are pivotal in mitigating the educational disruption caused by the floods. These units, equipped with a range of books and learning materials, are powered entirely by solar energy, making them ideal for areas where power outages are frequent. Additionally, the project distributes art and craft kits to children, encouraging them to engage in creative activities. These kits not only foster creativity but also help in the psychological healing process by keeping the children's minds engaged and active.

Boat Library and Scgoool in Rajanpur 
The Boat Library initiative in Rajanpur stands out as a beacon of hope for children in this heavily flood-affected district. This unique approach ensures that books reach children who are cut off from their regular schooling due to the floods. The library, which operates from a boat, travels along the flooded areas, bringing a variety of books and educational materials to children stranded by the waters.

Camel Libraries 
The Alif Laila Book Bus Society has adapted its services to the challenging conditions by deploying camel libraries, with four out of thirteen operating in flood-affected areas. These camel-backed libraries bring joy and education to children in the most remote areas, making books accessible against all odds.

Children's Engagement and Feedback
Children from these areas, coming from underprivileged backgrounds, have expressed immense joy and gratitude for these initiatives. One young participant joyfully remarked, "The boat brings us books as if it's carrying treasures from another world!" Another child from a village served by the camel library said, "The camel library is our magic camel. It brings stories that take us on far-off adventures!" These comments highlight the significant impact these projects have on children’s spirits and enthusiasm for learning.

Interactive Learning Activities
Storytelling and book reading sessions have become a core part of these initiatives, transforming them into interactive learning experiences. Volunteers and educators involved in these projects conduct these sessions, often involving the children in the storytelling process, which enhances their listening and comprehension skills. These activities also serve as a platform for children to share their experiences, fostering a sense of community and collective resilience.

The innovative educational outreach initiatives in Pakistan’s flood-affected regions exemplify the resilience and creativity of humanitarian efforts. The Humara Kutubkhana projects, Boat Library in Rajanpur, and Camel Libraries by Alif Laila Book Bus Society not only provide educational resources but also bring hope and joy to children in dire circumstances. These projects are crucial in ensuring that education continues amidst challenges, fostering a sense of normalcy and continuity in the lives of these young learners.