Great response

Launched in December 2013, Maktabati, Oman’s first mobile library had received an overwhelming response from schools.

The bus has toured villages and towns across Oman, giving children access to good books at reasonable prices.

Jaffer said the major challenge for the initiative was finding sufficient funding and coping with demand for Maktabati to visit schools across the country.

“We are extremely grateful to WGO for funding the purchase of the bus and to BP Oman for becoming a major sponsor this year. Our main aim now is to extend our reach by purchasing a second bus that can be based permanently in the interior,” says Jaffer.

The “Let’s Read” campaign under which the Maktabati initiative was launched, began in 2007 and has been committed to promoting the love of reading among children in Oman.

Reading is the key

“Our message is that reading is the key to qualifications and a bright future. It is also an enjoyable experience, which broadens our knowledge and deepens our understanding of human nature. It is widely acknowledged that reading for pleasure improves literacy directly by actively engaging emerging readers in the desire to read. Reading changes lives, improves employability, social interaction, enfranchisement and can have a positive effect on mental health and happiness. In our stressful lives, reading can offer a refuge and an opportunity to unwind and gain a new perspective”, said Jaffer.