Are textbooks sufficient for children? [Archives:2002/27/Culture]

Officials from foreign embassies and organizations in Yemen are baffled when they hear about the low number of childrens libraries in Yemen.
In the Capital there are about five children libraries, two in preparation in Aden, one in al-Mahweet along with 17 school libraries now in preparation.
Something worth noting is that these libraries have been established by non-governmental organizations in less than 2 years. These libraries have been realized by NGOs such as the Yemeni Association for Disseminating Culture & Knowledge. The role played by the government in this respect is somewhat weak.
Abdullah Ali Gameel, chairman was asked about the establishment of association. He said that the main reason to establish the association was because the government doesnt pay full attention to the childrens culture in Yemen.
The new generation is considered to be the power-house of any society and taking care of children means the building of this nation. There are some organizations interested in childrens culture, but from my point of view they dont perform their role properly. Their role is restricted to holding symposiums and seminars which are intrinsically to no avail, Ali Gameel said.
We have tried our best to contact foreign organizations interested in childrens culture in Yemen but unfortunately we havent received any positive response. At length the Social Development Fund agreed to finance the establishment of the first childrens library. The establishment of the library has been applied towards the less educated societies and densely populated neighborhoods. Childrens activities clearly crystallize their talents and acquaint them with the nations culture. Schools trip have been even organized by the children themselves.
We have to make every effort to encourage children to publish cultural magazines and periodicals. The results are amazing. More than 16 publications have been published by children themselves. Four libraries have been established in the Capital. Around 81,000 children have participated in these activities.
Several libraries have been established in different governates in the Republic. A childrens library financed by the Social Development Fund was established in Aden, October 2001. Another library was established in al-Mokalla at the cost of USD 100,000.
The association is about to establish childrens libraries in Mahweet, Sadaa, al-Jowf and Mareb. A piece of land has been allocated by the 22nd May Club in Sawan. A garden and swimming pool is to be established as part of a recreation area for the children and residents of the Sawan area south of Sanaa.
Preparations are underway to establish 4 new childrens libraries in Sanaa. At the same time the idea of establishing libraries in Taiz, Hodiedah and Hajjah are under discussion.
A leading role played by the Canadian Nexen Petroleum Company to provide these libraries with valuable resources is of great significance. The Canadian Nexen Petroleum Company has participated extensively in establishing the first printing press for these periodicals and books.
The Yemeni Association for Disseminating Culture & Knowledge lacks financial resources from the government.
Childrens cultural projects have been marginalized by some foreign organizations. For this reason the active participation of the Yemeni Association for Disseminating Culture & Knowledge and Canadian Nexen Petroleum Company is praiseworthy.
Statistics indicate that the number of children who make use of these libraries have reached 81,030. Around 16 magazines and periodicals have been successfully issued by children .
Nine books have been written by children. More than 153 school groups have visited these libraries. The number of researchers and university students who have visited these libraries has reached 2,390.
The only supporters for such cultural activities and establishing childrens libraries are the Yemeni Association for Disseminating Culture & Knowledge and the Canadian Nexen Petroleum Company.
Sadly, the Ministry of Cultures participation in supporting these libraries has reached only 7 booklets.
What we see is that children workshops or seminars have been held without any positive results for children. This is the painful reality for children in Yemen.


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