MINGORA: More than 2,000 books were distributed among the libraries of government and private schools during a ceremony here on Saturday.

The book exhibition and books distribution ceremony titled “When you open a book, you open a new world” was organised by Swat Education Development Society in collaboration with the Asia Foundation.

The teachers and students of different schools appreciated the efforts of the organisers of the event. They said that books were inevitable for formation of a civilised, developed and peaceful society.

“Books have been here for centuries. Getting knowledge about our ancestors, culture and civilisation is impossible without books. We not only want to revive books but also want promote book reading culture among the children of the militancy-affected Swat valley,” said Zahid Abbas, the manager of Books for Asia Programme of Asia Foundation.

Hafiz Mohammad Ali, a primary schoolteacher, said that the books were according to the nature of primary schoolchildren. “The colours and images in the English books are really attractive for children. Nice short sentences, with vocabulary of daily use, will attract them to read and watch,” he told Dawn.

The principals of girl schools were also happy to get books for their schools. They said that girls in rural areas deserved to get education and have books.

“Girls in rural areas face difficulties in getting education. These books, which we have received, will be a pleasant addition to the knowledge treasure of our girls,” said Neelum Umar, the principal of SCA School and College.

Umar Ali, a school principal, after receiving books for his school library, said that such activities would enable the readers to explore new horizons and ideas.

Swat Education Development Society president Fazal Rabi said that the organisation was struggling to promote reading culture in Swat valley.

“Swati children need more and more books and educational facilities so that they can come out of the suffocation and trauma caused by militancy. We are thankful to Asia Foundation for providing books to them,” he said.

Published in Dawn, September 13th, 2015

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