Children's libraries

An important part of SISK’s work is the support of a children’s library project implemented by the Iraqi Women’s League (IWL) in Baghdad. The original idea behind the project was to create a refuge for Baghdad’s children, away from their everyday reality of warfare, conflict, and aggression. The idea took form in discussions between members of IWL and SISK during the intense war years of 2004-2005. At that time, long years of sanctions against Iraq had already deprived most children the possibility of a normal childhood. The intent was to create a kind of development project that would work on several levels simultaneously. The ultimate goal was to support democratic forces in Iraq by strengthening civil society through the empowerment of an organizations like IWL. In practice, this meant that by giving IWL the opportunity to run children’s libraries, the organization would strengthen itself and grow. On another level, the library as such would fill the function of being a forum where war-torn children were allowed to be just children. Taking into consideration the growing tensions between different religious and ethnic groups in Iraq, it became important to counter such tendencies by running the library activities according to basic democratic principles, and creating an environment wherein ethnic, religious, and gender equality was emphasized. All activities in the libraries serve the purpose of strengthening children’s self-confidence and self-esteem, by giving them a chance to self-expression and self-realization through children’s literature, drama, music, and play.

The first library, located in the Karrade area of Baghdad, was inaugurated in 2005 and soon answered up to the high expectations, attracting children from the area and adjacent neighborhoods. As the library turned out to be very successful, thanks to the hard and dedicated work of IWL and the library employees, a second branch was founded in 2007 in the Bagdad area of Sadr City. This branch works according to the same principles as the Karrade library and is attracting even more children and parents.

The Iraqi Women's League (IWL)

SISK's partner is the Iraqi Women's League (IWL), founded in 1952. The association is open to all women who share the organisation's core values, regardless of political, ethnic or religious affiliations. The organisation works towards an overall goal of peace and democracy in Iraq as the basis of gender equality, the welfare of children, and respect for human rights. IWL is one of the older civil society organisations in Iraq with a historical network that spans across the entire country. The organisation has a strong tradition of taking down walls between people and uniting different groups. The public image of IWL is thus an organisation that brings together women across ethnic and religious, but also economic and social, groups. Apart from the two children’s libraries, the organisation organises seminars, demonstrations for women’s rights, lectures on women’s and children’s rights and operates projects for literacy among women, computer courses and sewing classes in poor and rural areas.

Astrid, Selma, and children's rights

In what way can Astrid Lindgren's books be used to achieve the goals laid down in the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child? Astrid Lindgren's books are permeated with a deep humanity, humor, and tolerance, and encourage empathy with other people and respect for their differences.

"Pippi Longstocking" may serve as a role model for the child in the sense that she is strong, independent, and also kind-hearted. Pippi herself says, "If you are very strong, you also have to be very kind." The book is especially empowering for girls, promotes equality between the sexes, and encourages an unconventional, open-minded attitude to life.

"The Brothers Lionheart" covers important issues of death and grief, the battle between good and evil, the price of freedom, the importance of courage even when you are afraid, "otherwise you are just a little rotter." The book also deals with the struggle for freedom and human rights in a country occupied by a foreign power. All issues that are of great concern to all human beings irrespective of culture, religion and nationality. Like all Astrid Lindgren’s books it shows how alike human beings are on the deepest levels and helps the child to reflect on these issues.

In "Lotta på Bråkmakargatan" ("Lotta leaves home"), Lotta runs away from home. The book teaches the child to see events from different perspectives, giving the points of view of Lotta, her parents, and her siblings. The book also shows the parents’ respect for the child, something that is characteristic of all Astrid Lindgren's books and which is also the basis of the Convention.

The same is true of "The Changeling" by Selma Lagerlöf. A baby is snatched from his/her parents and substituted with a troll's baby. The mother takes pity on the changeling, cares for it as if it were her own, and refuses to go along with her husband who wants to throw it out. By asking the child: "How would you have acted if you had been the mother? How would you have felt if you had been the father? The troll mother?," you may help the child to put himself/herself in the shoes of widely different people. This helps the child get a better understanding and empathy for and acceptance of these differences.

To sum up, the above are examples of books that closely reflect the values and goals laid down in the Convention: freedom of expression, respect for other peoples' points of view, equality of sexes, and care for the environment. The books teach tolerance and acceptance of differences between peoples and cultures, a tolerance that is the basis of a democratic and peaceful society.

Download the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child!

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Drawings by children visiting the libraries in Baghdad