Ibn Rushd Library

Please note, our report was written before the war.

The Ibn Rushd Library continues to be a place of learning and activities for children of Al Aqaba Village. It is also a place where children get to relax and take a break from their challenging environment. The library also welcomes visitors from other areas. Children from Tayaseer, not too far from Al Aqaba, who don’t have a library are regular visitors of Ibn Rushd Library. Ibn Rushd Library also received children from the Jordan Valley who were introduced to the library facilities. 

• The talented librarian, Shafeqa is doing a marvelous job. Shafeqa puts a lot of thought into the selection of books she reads to the children. These books are selected according to the needs of the hour. Because of the challenging situation for Palestinian communities in the West Bank, many children suffer in silence. Shafeqa read a book called “Eater of Sorrow'' (translated name from Arabic) that talked about the correct way of dealing with fears and loss, by talking to family and friends. After the book reading session, children were encouraged to discuss their feelings. 

• Another interesting book titled “I Wish I Could Say No'' (translated name from Arabic) was read to the children. Children learned that it's okay to say no and how to say it politely. Shafeqa carried out an exercise with the children, in which they were given situations and were asked to respond to a request.

• Following the attacks on the Jenin Refugee Camp last summer, children were very upset. Shafeqa encouraged children to make colorful drawings for the residents of the Jenin Refugee Camp and sent these along with thoughtful notes.  

• On average, 20-25 children attend book reading sessions. Older children enjoy reading on their own and also borrow books from the library.  

• Children enrolled in the art group continue to hone their artistic skills. They are learning how to paint in different mediums and working on watercolor paintings. Even though there is a designated corner for the art group in the library, sometimes they also sit in the park to do still life. Children are working for an exhibition that will be held in the Tubas Governorate.  

• To boost imagination and creativity, the art group is sometimes assigned a particular theme to work on. One of these themes was public accountability. The group came up with impressive sketches and paintings on the subject. 

• On the occasion of World Climate Day, children were taught about the importance of looking after the environment and the extent to which our daily habits and actions affect it. Children painted a mural with the participation of the children of the Jordan Valley. 

• Shafeqa helped girls participate in an event held at the Tubas Cultural Center and trained the girls in Palestinian folk dance.    

• The library collaborated with the War Child Foundation and organized a series of sessions for children that revolved around access to safe education. In one of the sessions on ‘respect’ girls from Tayaseer also participated.  

• In close collaboration with the Tamer Foundation, Shafeqa is also developing a code of conduct for the protection of children.

• During the summer, many fun activities and games were also organized for the children.

Shafeqa shared that the library needs stationery, new books, novels for teenage children, visual aids such as projectors, and computers. 

Thank you for supporting the library. By supporting Ibn Rushd Library, you're helping children develop a love of book reading and also helping them develop life skills. With your help, we can continue to to offer these services to the children.