To educate, captivate, and connect members of the community.
We believe in the experience of learning - whether formal or informal - should be an exciting one. Hence, we want to bring these bookshelves out of the classrooms and libraries, and into places where people gather together for leisure.
Our model is based on community trust. We have two main purposes:
1) to encourage reading.
2) to develop community bonding and trust.
Therefore, after helping to set up the 'Foh Keesaa' we would pass it on to our volunteers who would take care of it from then on. The design and management might differ from one shelf to another, but, as the main purpose is to encourage reading, we welcome neighbourhood groups, NGOs, and friends groups to continue the scheme.
- Can we borrow books?
At the moment, you can sit, read and enjoy the fresh air.
We hope to work out a mechanism for borrowing in the future. We request that all books be kept in the keesaa area until we do.
- Where can I drop books for the Foh Keesaa?
You can leave donated books at three places in Seenu Hithadhoo. We have placed drop off boxes at the following locations.
-Pebbles Inn (opposite foh keesaa)
-Neon Bakery (Link Road, near Suvadive Cafe)
-3S Supermart (Bodu Magu).
- How can I start one in my neighbourhood?
If you are an individual, part of a neighbourhood friend group, or an NGO, and are interested in setting up a bookshelf in your neighbourhood, we would be more than happy to assist you by sharing our experience from Hithadhoo.
All you will need is:
- One or two enthusiastic friends or family members.
- A cupboard, wooden box, old refrigerator...basically anything which can act as a home for wandering books.
- Some roofing or protective shelter to keep the books out of the sun and rain (if you are putting your shelf outside). Maybe ask a local carpenter or handyman for help.
- Books! Ask around, raid your bedroom, call your friends. It's better to start with a good collection, but donations should come as word spreads. (Please only donate books you own, or have had the express permission of the owner to give).
- Who will take care of the books?
We all will!
Leaving the shelves out in public means there will always be an element of risk. But, the idea is to build both trust and knowledge within the community - a reminder of what makes our islands so special.
- I am interested to volunteer. What should I do?
Contact us via instagram/facebook or [email protected]
www.instagram.com/fohkeesaa
www.facebook.com/FohKeesaaMv
#fohkeesaa #fohkeesaaMV #Communitybookshelf #readingcommunity
