'Wall of Giving' offers open-access libraries for children

Children from the Centres using the open-access libraries.

The Sharjah Children Centres (SCC) is offering open-access libraries for children in their neighbourhood. SCC is doing so through its Wall of Giving initiative that encourages reading among children by offering them accessible libraries located at the various centres across the emirate.
The initiative was launched to make children, mainly in the 6 to 12 age-group, not just receivers but curators of knowledge. Through these libraries, SCC aims to highlight the essential role played by libraries in the development of societies, and to instill attributes of teamwork, leadership and sharing among children.
"The Wall of Giving initiative aims to introduce to children a sense of responsibility through the libraries. This model was deliberately chosen to inspire children to not just develop a love for books and reading, but also dive deep into a bigger enterprise - one that would require them to use their minds and bodies to grow, manage and sustain their libraries for the greater good of the society," said Aysha Ali Al Kaabi, Acting Director of SCC.
"The libraries have been established within our centres to benefit all young readers living in the neighborhoods, irrespective of whether or not they are members of the SCC," Al Kaabi added.
Al Kaabi shared that a proper strategy is in place to help children understand the importance of participating through book donations and by assuming other responsibilities, which will benefit the libraries, neighbourhoods and society at large. Orientation sessions will be organised by children during open days to introduce SCC's visitors to the initiative and its goals.
The donated books will undergo a registration and verification process by the Centre's Director or Deputy Director before being displayed on the 'Wall of Giving'.
This initiative is the realisation of SCC's second edition of 'A Better Me' programme, which was launched during Ramadan last year to promote Islamic values and proactive social behaviour in children, and encourage them to engage constructively in their society.
SCC is dedicated to developing the talents and potential of its children members by engaging them in mentoring programmes and interactive workshops that help unleash their creative potential.
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• Sharjah