READ AND GO
by Hannah Denys
LIBRARY ON WHEELS DELIVERS JOY AND KNOWLEDGE TO STUDENTS IN REMOTE VILLAGES
FOR MANY CHILDREN living in northern Pakistan , simply getting to school is the biggest barrier to getting an education . But with the introduction of an innovative library van last year , these children don ’ t need to travel to school . School can travel to them .
In 2020 , Central Asia Institute commissioned a library van , something never before seen in this region . Stocked with hundreds of books , puppets , crafting materials , and more , the van ’ s purpose is to bring education and joy to children living in impoverished , isolated communities .
The van is an unusual sight as it bumps along winding country roads . Painted in bright colors , with the slogan “ Read and go forward ” emblazoned on its side , the van sparks the curiosity of bystanders .
“ When we are driving on the road , all the communities and students are watching our van ,” says Ismail Hunzai , who creates lesson plans for children and sometimes travels with the van . “ And they are asking questions : ‘ What is this and what are you doing here ?’”
The library van is uniquely able to reach remote villages with high numbers of out-of-school youngsters . In these areas , children often want to be educated , but their families can ’ t afford it or there isn ’ t a school nearby . Low school enrollment and attendance rates are big problems for many of the towns in northern Pakistan and throughout the country .
“[ Older children ] might be allowed to go to school using public transportation or by walking ,” explains Ms . Hira Amir ,
8 | JOURNEY OF HOPE CENTRAL ASIA INSTITUTE