Ibn Rushd Library
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| Organization | Rebuilding Alliance |
|---|---|
| Region | Palestine |
| Website | Website |
| ProjectLeader | Donna Baranski-walker |
A library in a Firing Zone? A little village called Al Aqaba opened the Ibn Rushd Library inside Israel's Firing Zone 900 to provide a learning sanctuary for nearly 400 children in this area. Named after Ibn Rush'd, the 12th-century Islamic philosopher who believed in rationalism over fundamentalism, the library boasts a wonderful librarian, a large collection of books in Arabic and English, good light, and a big work table. Help provide ebooks, a music library and a projector for movie nights.
Challenge
After 30 years of live-fire training in Al Aqaba, Israel's Army promised never to use the village for target practice. They sometimes forget that promise. Meanwhile, children can hear the ratta-tat-tat of Army machine gun fire as their training camp is close by. Due to a 2008 Israeli High Court ruling, Al Aqaba village was safely building homes without any demolition orders for 12 years. Recently, Israel's Army destroyed one house, raising fears among children about their homes and families.
Long-Term Impact
This vibrant library led by a talented librarian is a vital part of Al Aqaba's education program, in a village that sees the education of all children as key to bringing the world together for peace. The Ibn Rushd library provides wonderful opportunities to the village children giving them an enriching experience, one that each child deserves. Soon, your support will also build a core team of resource specialists to provide in depth assistance to children and families with disabilities.
References
- http://www.rebuildingalliance.org
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aqabah
- https://barefootartists.org/al-aqaba/
Additional Documentation
Project Gallery
Children participating in National Reading Week
The librarian with the kindergarteners
Reading a story to children
Discussing a plot for the story
Holding out characters for the Shadow Theater
Shadow Theater in progress
A visit by Palestine Red Crescent Society's member
Children keenly listening to a story
An interactive session
