Bank of Palestine and the A. M. Qattan Foundation signed an agreement on 17 July for a Mobile Library Project in Gaza Strip. The project, to be implemented by the Qattan Centre for the Child, entails the procurement of a custom-made mobile library bus, which will travel throughout the Strip to provide library services especially in marginalised areas. Along with bringing books to these areas, the project will offer an array of cultural and recreational activities for children up to 15 years of age.
The project agreement, which was signed by Hashim Shawa, Chairman and General Manager of Bank of Palestine, and Ziad Khalaf, Director General of A. M. Qattan Foundation, involves the provision of $360,000 over a five year period. Bank of Palestine will provide $172,000 while the A. M. Qattan Foundation will dedicate $188,000 to the project.
The Mobile Library Project aims to widen the cultural, artistic, and creative horizons of children by developing their reading and self-learning skills. It will also deepen children’s appreciation of literature through a fun and interactive learning environment. The project will target pre-school children as well as those in primary and preparatory stages through partnerships with local schools and institutions.
Shawa praised the Mobile Library Project, stating that it represents a unique opportunity in Gaza that will address urgent needs of children who do not have access to quality library services. Shawa added that the support of Bank of Palestine will consolidate the vision of the Qattan Centre for the Child to carry out successful long-term projects for children throughout the Gaza Strip.
Khalaf affirmed the importance of private sector and civil society partnerships in the development effort of Palestine, which strengthens social cohesion, belonging, and steadfastness. He added: “This project marks another episode in the long-standing cooperation between Bank of Palestine and the Foundation.” In summer 2011, the Qattan Foundation carried out the Read and Enjoy Project in Gaza, in partnership with Bank of Palestine and the Goethe Institute.
The Foundation has assigned around 37,500 library items to the Mobile Library Project in Gaza, including books on many subjects. The variety of project activities, which suit different age groups, will include reading, storytelling, drama, traditional Palestinian games, arts and crafts, and film screenings.
The Qattan Centre for the Child will carry out the project through the Outreach Service Unit, which since 2005 has worked with more than 353,000 children, 2,900 parents, and 250 child-care professionals, through partnerships with nearly 500 local institutions including schools, kindergartens, and child organizations.