Street Libraries in Manila
Street Libraries take place in several disadvantaged neighborhoods in Manila: on the grass verge of a highway, under a bridge, in a ceme-tery. They are designed in response to the desire to learn shown by underprivileged children, especially among those who have the least access to school, and to their parents’ concern for their future.
The Street Libraries are simple: mats to sit on; illustrated books, in both Filipino and English, covering a wide range of subjects as well as story books; and art and craft materials. The chil-dren’s ages range from 2 to 14 and as many as 60 children can be present at any one Street Library.
Those running the Street Libraries visit each family to invite them to participate. This gives them the opportunity to find out what the children would like to do that day or in the future and helps them to get to know the family better.
The Street Libraries themselves comprise three main activities:
- Reading: alone or in groups, the discovery of books is at the heart of each Street Library whatever the age or ability of the child. Special attention is always given to the children who have the most difficulty reading and writing.
- Story-telling: story-telling is a great way of stimulating the imagination and provides a more lively period during the street library. It is a way of getting those children who are too young to read involved in the Street Library and allows an older child or adult to share a favorite story with the group.
- Art and craft activities: usually based on the ideas and suggestions of the children or by an upcoming date or special event. Sometimes a visitor with a particular skill may be invited to run creative workshops during the Street Library.
Excerpt from the annual report of ATD Fourth World - Philippines and from the triennial report of International Movement ATD Fourth World (1999 - 20014)
