Library on Wheels for the Children
The international Relief that has poured
in to the tsunami victims of South Asia have brought essential
items to keep people alive and healthy. Now Tzu Chi volunteers
have brought their attention to the children, with a drawing
competition and a mobile library that visits Tzu Chi's temporary
housing communities. They're bringing creative activities
to these young people to guide their childhood into meaningful
and happy times.
The vehicle may not look impressive, but its ability shouldn't
be underestimated. This vehicle is a mobile library that carries
nearly one thousand books. Its collection includes works of
fiction, Islamic Holy Stories and much more. Once a week,
the mobile library visits each temporary housing project in
the tsunami stricken area of Jantho, Indonesia.
"I really like
this library. It can make us more knowledgeable. If we can
have these kinds of activities consistently, it would be very
good for us," stated Ermiati, a resident of one of the
communities.
Aceh province's Governor H. Zaini Aziz
commenced the grand opening of the mobile library. Hundreds
of residents attended the ceremony at Tzu Chi's temporary
housing community near the mosque in Jantho. Children find
open spaces to sit down and read. For some it must be reminiscent
of their leisurely reading days before the tsunami.
In a classroom in the mosque, children are also practicing
another fun activity: drawing. Children keep their hands moving
on white sheets of paper in this drawing contest hosted by
Tzu Chi Foundation. One hundred and fifty children participated
in this contest.
The event was separated by age brackets,
from first grade to third grade, and from fourth grade to
sixth grade. The contestants were allowed to draw whatever
they wanted, letting their imaginations run free. The children
drew flowers and landscapes, and some were of the tsunami
disaster.
Tzu Chi volunteers hope the children of Jantho may have entertainment
that is both educational and creative. Positive activities
like the drawing contest and reading books from the mobile
library are meant to improve the lives of residents in the
tent community. It is the hope of the volunteers that in spite
of the devastation of the tsunami, the children here can still
have a rich and positive childhood.
