• Index of this issue

No. 70, March 2011

A Reading campaign was launched by the National Library on the third of February at a ceremony held to mark the National Day of Maldives. The event was aligned with this occasion as it is believed that reading, writing and the quest for information and knowledge is intertwined with our nationality. The Chief Guest at the ceremony was Ms Shifa Mohamed, our education Minister. The Campaign was launched by the Minister of Tourism Arts and Culture Ms Mariyam Zulfa. This campaign is targeted for the whole population of the Maldives.

Reading Campaign: Reading for Social Development

The philosophy of this endeavor is that an individual, society or a nation's development is pivotal to the information they attain and use. Reading and development are entwined. During an individual's life there are many instances where he or she desires information, getting this information allows the persons information need to be fulfilled and realized. In addition the campaign slogan "Reading for social development" highlights the importance of social peace. To be aware of the changes taking place in the world and finding the required information becomes a necessity in today's world.

National Libraries take a lead role in this endeavor as they are entrusted with collecting, preserving and giving access to the vast expanse of knowledge and during this course develop the readership of its countries. The National Library of Maldives also plays this role.

The Campaign is divided into three different phases. The first phase is specifically targeted for school children. A total of 70,000 plus students are enrolled in schools throughout Maldives where 50,000 are in the island schools and 20,000 in Male City. Four sessions take place in both the National and Children's Multimedia Library each day. Activities involve secondary schools in Male which are given invitation for a library tour, library orientation session and a visit to the National Museum thus providing a means to instill the interest for the quest of information about our history, culture and heritage. Primary students are given a tour and storytelling sessions at the Children's Multimedia Library.

Students visiting the National Library as part of the Reading Campaign

Students visiting the National Museum as part of the Reading Campaign

Information on the importance of reading are also shared in weekly school assemblies throughout Maldives with the aid of the National Library Newsletter. Reading logs are collected from Island schools and certificates are awarded to the most avid readers.
Phase two is targeted in addition to school students to the general public. The person who has visited the library most will also be awarded. Phase three involves outreach services to organizations like jails and rehabilitation centers.

We are currently in phase one of the project and feedback from schools have been tremendous. As the library has plans to extend this program, a proposal has been prepared to raise further funds to carry out the campaign till 2012.
We envision a future where information is attained and used by the general public in their daily life leading to a developed, informed and peaceful society.

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