FUJAIRAH // Residents and schools in remote areas of Fujairah said getting to libraries and finding key books was a major problem.
As the Government is focusing on reading, people in the towns of Dadna and Al Halah complained that access to books was the biggest concern when it came to meeting Year of Reading expectations.
“Having a nearby comprehensive library or a bookshop would be a great accomplishment and solve our issue with a lack of books,” said Fatima Kharkhash, principal at Dadna Elementary School.
About 100 pupils of the school have taken part in the Arab Reading Challenge this year, which was launched by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai.
Participants were asked to read 50 Arabic books in a year, but that has become an issue.
“It was difficult for us to provide the Arab Reading Challenge participants with all the books they need,” said Ms Kharkhash.
“The school’s library can’t cover all the students’ needs and age groups.
“Sometimes we order books from publishing houses if we can’t find it in our library but we can’t do that all the time as it takes time and money.
“We try to take the students to the public library in Dibba but, still, it’s far and if they borrow a book they can’t return it in time due to the distance, so they need to stay there and read.”
Teacher Mariam Al Zyoudi said the school library did not cover all topics.
“We have about 500 books at the library but it doesn’t cover every topic. We try to add more books each time we visit a book fair and sometimes we take them to Khor Fakkan library.”
Fatima Al Suraidi, a 27-year-old mother of two from Al Halah, said reaching a library was a challenge.
“My six-year-old daughter showed interest in books since she was four, and we encouraged her on that,” she said.
“The area we live in is remote and to reach the nearest public library or bookshop you need to drive 25 minutes.
“[At bookshops] some of the books are cheap but others may be expensive and sometimes I can’t afford it, therefore we need and ask for a library in the area.
“Children and adults would be more interested in reading books if they were available around them.”
Wedad Al Hamouri, manager of Dibba Cultural Centre, said: “Each week we organise many activities, such as reading competitions, storytelling and book fairs, to encourage everyone to read and expand their knowledge.
“I think the best solution for the meantime is to provide transportation to residents living in rural areas or create mobile libraries.”
rhaza@thenational.ae
