Camel Libraries - Girls Reading to Succeed

Camel Library Progress Report – February 2025 Alif Laila Book Bus Society For GlobalGiving Donors

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Bringing the Magic of Books to Pakistan’s Remote Villages In the vast deserts, rugged mountains, and isolated villages of Pakistan, a quiet revolution is taking place—one led by the gentle footsteps of camels carrying the gift of knowledge. The Camel Library initiative, run by the Alif Laila Book Bus Society, continues to transform the lives of thousands of children, bringing the wonder of books, the joy of stories, and the power of education to communities where such opportunities were once a distant dream. This February, our seven camel libraries—Umeed, Nayab, Mashal, Sukoon, Amal, Khushi, and Rounaq—visited dozens of remote villages, engaging 1,254 children in storytelling, reading activities, and lessons on cleanliness, environmental awareness, and personal growth.
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The Impact:
Hope Carried on Four Legs
Total Visits: 84
Total Children Reached: 1,254 (Boys: 685 | Girls: 569)

Each child reached by the Camel Library represents a life touched, a future brightened, and a dream awakened. Teaching Cleanliness & Environmental Responsibility February’s themes focused on cleanliness and environmental change—essential lessons for personal and community well-being. Children were encouraged to take ownership of their surroundings, learning that keeping their environment clean is a reflection of self-respect and care for others.

A Story from Kohlu, Balochistan (Umeed Camel Library) "Before the Camel Library, we never thought about where we threw our trash," says Sami, a 9-year-old boy from Killi Mir Jan village. "But when our librarian told us that ‘cleanliness is half of faith,’ I told my mother to put a basket outside our house. Now, all the children in my village pick up trash and keep our streets clean!" Growing a Love for Reading & Storytelling Many children in rural areas had never held a book before. Now, they eagerly wait for their turn to read aloud or hear their favorite librarian narrate a story in their local language.

Nayab Camel Library – Engaging the Community in Marwari In Bheel Colony, the Nayab Camel Library librarian translated books into Marwari, the local language, making stories more relatable and engaging for children. 175 children participated in storytelling sessions, developing a stronger connection to literature and their cultural heritage.

Mashal Camel Library – The Magic of Writing In Sindh, children who had never written a word before started forming letters and writing simple sentences thanks to the interactive reading sessions. A teacher from Rano Shaikh village shared: "Alhamdulillah, many children who never thought they could write are now practicing their names and short stories!"

Bringing Learning to Life Through Stories & Puppetry Camel Library sessions are not just about reading—they bring books to life through interactive storytelling, drawing, puppetry, and discussions.

A Tale from Amal Camel Library At a session in Atta Muhammad village, a girl named Zoya used puppets to retell the story of "Jadoo Ka Ghora" (The Magic Horse). When she finished, she turned to her librarian and said, "I never knew I could make people listen to me like this! I want to tell stories like you one day.".
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Challenges & Future Needs

While our Camel Libraries continue to thrive, we face logistical and resource-related challenges. Some camels were unavailable due to local festivals, delaying sessions. Many children lack proper book bags, seating mats, and storage solutions for books. To sustain and expand this magic, we urgently need your support for: More books in regional languages Recreational & storytelling materials (puppets, art supplies, interactive games) Portable reading tents & mats for better learning spaces Maintenance for camels and transport costs
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Your Support is Transforming Lives!

Your contributions have brought the light of books to thousands of children who would otherwise have no access to learning. Every dollar you donate helps us reach another child, another village, another dream. Join us in keeping this journey alive. Sponsor a book, a session, or even a camel for a month—because every child deserves a story.

DONATE NOW & HELP THE CAMEL LIBRARIES GROW!

With gratitude,

Alif Laila Book Bus Society Team

The Camel Library initiative has become a remarkable force in bringing education and a love for reading to children in remote Pakistani communities. Over the past three months, eight Camel Libraries—Roshan, Nayab, Amal, Sukoon, Khushi, Mashal, Umeed, and Raunaq—each completed 12 sessions, collectively reaching nearly 6,000 children. This sustained outreach not only boosts literacy but ignites a lifelong passion for books, enriching young minds and enhancing their educational experiences.

Through consistent access to diverse books, children’s literacy and enthusiasm for learning have notably improved. These libraries have evolved into vital community hubs, fostering unity and a shared commitment to education among local residents.

Collaborating with esteemed partners like the Ali Bano Foundation Sindh, Jandaran Welfare Foundation Balochistan, Female Education Trust, and various Rotary Clubs, the Camel Libraries have extended their reach and impact. These partnerships create a supportive network dedicated to providing educational resources in underserved communities.

The Camel Caravan Vision
Guided by core values, the initiative aims to establish sustainable, eco-friendly practices, advocate for animal welfare, reach isolated areas, celebrate local cultures, and inspire creativity and lifelong learning.

Children’s Voices
The impact is best seen through the words of children themselves:

- Maria, 8: “Roshan Camel Library ki kahaniyan sun’na buhat acha lagta hai!”
- Sumaira, 10: “Mashal Camel Library ne mujhe Urdu parhna aur bolna sikha diya.”
- Yaseen Ali, 12: “Nayyab Camel Library se mujhe nai kahaniyan aur adventure milta hai.”
- Uzma, 12: “Amal Camel Library ke intezaar mein rehti hoon – parhna mujhe khushi deta hai.”
- Ahmed, 10: “Sukoon Camel Library se Urdu parhna seekha.”
- Haider, 12: “Khushi Camel Library se Urdu kahaniyan parh ke khushi milti hai!”
- Qasim, 13: “Umeed Library mein kahaniyan sunna aur parhna mere liye fakhar ki baat hai.”

These reflections reveal not just enjoyment, but a deep connection with books and a new-found pride in literacy and self-expression.

Challenges and Future Plans
Adverse weather, limited resources, and poor infrastructure pose ongoing challenges, impacting library accessibility and book availability. Nevertheless, the initiative remains focused on growth, continuously gathering video feedback to illustrate its impact for donors.

Looking ahead, Camel Libraries are committed to expanding their reach, forming new partnerships, and developing training videos for facilitators to enhance children’s reading experiences. With sustained support, this initiative can continue empowering children across Pakistan, helping them thrive through access to books and a brighter future.