It’s been a while since we’ve given an update on the R2E Library, so here it is! We’ve recently returned from checking in on the Library in both camps Djabal and Goz Amer. R2E Librarians Rahma, Umbda and Ahmed informed us on the status and reach of each library and their suggestions for the libraries moving forward.
What is the R2E Library? The R2E Library provides a space, materials and educational tools for refugees to learn about their human rights and how to address human rights issues. Users not only learn about human rights and mechanisms that protect them, but also the acquisition of skills needed to apply human rights in a practical way in daily life. By providing Darfuri refugees with the opportunity to access human rights education, i-ACT aims to empower individuals and their communities to critically analyze their human rights problems and seek out solutions that are consistent with human rights values and standards. This is particularly important for a group of people who have experienced genocide and who continue to remain vulnerable to violence and instability in the refugee camps and in their home country.
Update from the Camps
The libraries are in full-use and reaching all the primary schools in Camp Djabal and Goz Amer. Each week, the library spends five days at each of the six primary school in both camps. Teachers “check out” books and Kindles and use them for lessons during school. Students use the library as extra curricular reading. Librarians report that the “check out” system has been working really well and each school is getting equal opportunity in using the library materials. The librarians are currently collecting qualitative feedback from teachers and students regarding the library program and it’s resources, and they will be sharing the responses and information with i-ACT via Pazocalo.
Moving Forward Based on the success and popularity of the library in each camp and based on recommendations from our three librarians, we’ve decided to work towards expanding the R2E Library program. Instead of only being used by teachers and students, we will expand the libraries to be available to the community at large. Librarians feel that adults in the community are a critical audience for library resources and for learning about human rights. Reaching adults, they said, would help spread human rights in the camps, in family life and build leaders in the community. Furthermore, in making the library available to others in the community, the librarians will begin to organize community discussions on human rights during library hours in order to foster community dialogue and collaboration.
Check out the R2E webpage to learn more about the R2E Library, librarians and how you can help support human rights education in the camps!