Unveiling the Legendary Figure Behind Pakistan's Beloved Children's Library
In 1978, Dr. Juanita Baker, a visionary educator, founded the Alif Laila Book Bus Society in Lahore, Pakistan. The initial motivation behind this groundbreaking organisation was to address and find solutions to Pakistan's educational challenges, particularly in promoting literacy and learning among children[1].
The society started as a small, volunteer-run platform and grew into a nationwide movement. Its unique approach involved creating a mobile library service, a "book bus," which brought books and learning aids directly to children who otherwise had limited or no access to libraries[1]. This innovative approach helped foster a culture of reading and learning in underserved areas, using mobile resources to overcome infrastructural limitations.
Basarat Kazim, a Lahore-native, began volunteering at Alif Laila in the late 70s and eventually took over leadership in 1982. Under her guidance, the society expanded its focus on interactive learning tools and community-based education, nurturing countless young minds in Pakistan through this pioneering initiative.
In the past, Basarat Kazim faced resistance from teachers when encouraging children to visit the library. However, she educated them about the benefits of reading for children's learning. Today, libraries are starting to appear in schools, and Alif Laila has set up libraries across Pakistan[2].
Alif Laila's work includes running libraries, building libraries in underprivileged schools, and economically-depressed communities. The society also conducts outreach programs, taking books to Pakistani children on various modes of transportation[2].
Basarat Kazim sees libraries as places where children can find a safe and welcoming space to explore their imagination and creativity. She believes that if such libraries are widespread in Pakistan, the country's future will be bright. Libraries are seen as places where kindness, understanding, and empathy are created[3].
The Alif Laila Book Bus Society has received numerous national and international awards, but the most rewarding moments come from the children themselves. One such moment was a letter from a boy who appreciated his hour at the library[3].
Dr. Juanita Baker received books from American publishers to stock the library. Alif Laila continues to carry forward the torch for promoting reading and literacy among children in Pakistan[1].
Basarat Kazim's dream for the future is for Pakistan's map to be dotted with children's libraries, full of exciting, colorful, and imaginative storybooks, to help children breathe freely, explore, innovate, and do things they love[4]. She emphasizes the importance of books in helping children see people as themselves, not always as the 'other.'
In the 90s, Alif Laila began working with children through their mobile library outreach program, making a significant impact on a child who was surprised to find that there was more to books than school textbooks[4].
Over the years, Alif Laila has trained thousands of teachers and set up schools in slum areas[5]. The society trusts that children will return borrowed books, even if they keep them for a long time because they love them, and children have consistently donated their old books to the organisation[5].
In conclusion, the Alif Laila Book Bus Society has been a trailblazer in promoting literacy and learning among children in Pakistan. Its unique approach, commitment to children's education, and impact on countless young lives make it a shining example of what can be achieved when education and community come together.
[1] Alif Laila Book Bus Society. (n.d.). About Us. Retrieved from https://www.aliflaila.org/about-us
[2] Khan, A. (2018, June 21). Alif Laila Book Bus Society: Making Reading Fun for Children. Dawn. Retrieved from https://www.dawn.com/news/1428984
[3] Alif Laila Book Bus Society. (n.d.). Impact. Retrieved from https://www.aliflaila.org/impact
[4] Alif Laila Book Bus Society. (n.d.). Vision & Mission. Retrieved from https://www.aliflaila.org/vision-mission
[5] Alif Laila Book Bus Society. (n.d.). Books & Resources. Retrieved from https://www.aliflaila.org/books-resources
- The Alif Laila Book Bus Society, a trailblazer in promoting literacy and learning among children, extends its reach beyond libraries to include home-and-garden, education-and-self-development, and personal-growth titles, offering readers a holistic lifestyle improvement.
- Basarat Kazim envisions a Pakistan dotted with children's libraries, stocked with engaging fiction, non-fiction, and children's books penned by renowned authors, fostering imagination, creativity, and empathy, transforming the nation's landscape while bridging cultural divides.
