In rural areas of Laos, primary schools lack reading and learning materials. Children often have to share textbooks and classrooms rarely have additional storybooks. Most schools do not have a library or even a reading room. That’s why Aide et Action endeavors to offer fun approaches to learning through our mobile libraries.
Traveling with storybooks, arts, and games, our mobile library team delivers educational activities to rural primary schools. Activities such as storytelling, drawing, and group songs and games engage the students and foster a love for learning. Here’s what some of the children had to say about the mobile libraries that visited their schools:
“The mobile library is wonderful! We enjoyed reading books, listening to stories, and playing games. It’s fun to play the games together and learn new things together. In the games, my team was the winner even though we had fewer players, because we worked together and listened carefully.”
Champa, Grade 4 student.
“I haven’t read any storybooks in a long time, so it’s easy to forget. I really like the mobile library because I can practice reading. Reading is important to me.”
Udsanai, Grade 4 student.
“I don’t get to read storybooks very often, but I think it helps me learn. I want the mobile library to come all the time because it has fun activities and we don’t get bored.”
Oiy, Grade 3 student
Ms. Chansouk, a Grade 5 teacher at Namor Primary School tells us that she enjoys these activities as much as the children: “They are new for us and we can develop education through fun activities like this that engage the children”. Exercising the children’s abilities and encouraging them to play and read in a big group helps them build their confidence and social skills. “It’s important to help children develop these skills during these early ages”, says Ms. Chansouk.
Mrs. Mai who lives in Phaluang village is delighted to see her children particpate in such activities and benefit from the mobile library. “Today I saw my son and daughter playing in these activities and I’m so proud watching them – I’m happy they have opportunities like this that I never had”, she says.