The following is from a report from CARE in 2013.
“In 2006, CARE embarked upon a complementary initiative, the Library Enhancement Project. Over multiple project phases since then, and with the continued backing of Mr. Field and other donors, CARE has now established a cumulative total of 408 libraries in central, northern, and southeastern areas of Afghanistan. This total includes 54 new libraries established through the most recent investment by Mr. Field.
For children, the libraries have provided novels, magazines, and books on history, religion, culture, science, language, geography, mathematics and extra-curricular topics such as cooking and home decoration. The wide-ranging collections help children increase their subject knowledge, enhance analytical and critical thinking skills, and gain information about social and religious issues, while increasing their understanding of other cultures and supporting their personal growth and discovery.
The libraries also stock books for instructors and SMCs on teaching methodology, rights, community mobilization and development, and educational planning and management. The collections help make classroom instruction more uniform across schools and assist teachers to expand the scope of subjects while fostering their own professional development. Other community members also benefit from materials which help them to increase their problem-solving skills and understand the significance of and rights to education, and how education relates to improved social conditions.”
This was a donor conceived program.
As these girls can become literate and are exposed to life outside of their village, they will gain a say in their future and that of their communities and nation. Some will advance to higher education and become influential professionals and leaders.
If we can influence and prepare a single generation, they likely will do the rest of the work.
