In an effort to quench the thirst for books among children in remote and underprivileged areas, Raheema Jalal, a principal of a girls’ high school, established the Camel Library project in August 2020. This initiative has partnered with the Women’s Education Organization and the Library on Wheels Association, both of which have conducted various library projects for children in Pakistan over the past 38 years.
Camelback library.
Three times a week, Roshan the camel delivers books to four villages in the Kech district, staying at each location for about two hours. Roshan carries a variety of books, including stories, science knowledge, and textbooks. Children can read on-site or borrow books to take home and return during the next visit. Murad Ali, the owner of Roshan, who also delivers the books to the villages, expressed: “I was surprised when I first heard about the Camel Library project, but I believe this is the best way to transport books. I gradually enjoy these trips and feel happy to see the children with books to read.”
Additionally, the remuneration for this job is comparable to transporting other goods using camels. Currently, the founders of the project hope to secure more funding to expand the Camel Library’s reach to even more locations, providing not only borrowing services but also donating books to children.
Children excitedly welcome Ms. Jalal and the Camel Library to their village. (Photo: Reuters)
Ms. Raheema Jalal, principal of Zubeda Jalai Girls’ School and co-founder of the Camel Library, noted that she started this initiative because she wants children in her impoverished rural area to continue their education. “The children cannot attend school during the day and have to pay for extra classes at night. However, with this mobile library, they can supplement their knowledge completely free of charge, and by reading books, they will spend less time on harmful activities. They will gain useful knowledge for their future.”
Children greet Roshan the camel. (Photo: Reuters).
According to Ms. Raheema Jalal, with an operational budget of around $117 per month (over 2.5 million VND), her Camel Library project hopes to acquire more books so that the camel can expand its delivery service to at least 40 villages. “Currently, we are maintaining the library with a budget of about $117 per month. If we can secure more sponsors and more books, we hope to expand this model to even more remote areas. Currently, the Camel Library only operates in the Mand area. With the positive response from the children, we will strive to expand this library.”
Many children in Balochistan are eager to read. (Photo: Reuters).
Balochistan, the largest province in Pakistan, is a mountainous and arid desert area in the southwest of the country, with a population of over 12.3 million. It is also the poorest province in the country, with a literacy rate of only 40%—the lowest in Pakistan. Approximately 62% of children aged 5 to 16 in rural areas of Balochistan do not attend school. The two co-founders of the Camel Library are seeking funding in hopes that the Camel Library will reach more villages, lending or donating books to more children.
