Wish list: An expansion in partnership with the Tamer Institute to create a bookmobile to bring the library to children throughout the Jordan Valley 

A dedicated pediatrician in the U.S. dreamed of creating vibrant libraries in Palestine. His founding donation helped create a library and launch the Youth Entrepreneurship Program for the children and youth of Al-Aqaba Village and its outskirts. From a total of 344 donations, we have raised $49,171! 

Do you remember your first trip to the library and the impact subsequent visits had on your life? Libraries are public places that aid in social and economic development, personal growth, and cultural engagement. In communities, such as Al-Aqaba Village and the surrounding areas, that are under demolition threats that contribute to trauma, libraries provide a safe space for Palestinian children and youth. 

With your help, Rebuilding Alliance was able to create the Ibn Rush’d Library and Youth Entrepreneurship Program for Palestinians in Al-Aqaba and its outskirts!

How do we do it? The library was named for the 12th century Islamic philosopher, Ibn Rush'd, who believed in rationalism over fundamentalism, and serves the youth of Al Aqaba Village, the neighboring countryside and towns. With 5000 books, Rebuilding Alliance raised funds to hire a librarian who created reading and career initiatives for children and youth, respectively. While the unemployment rate in the area is high, the Youth Entrepreneurship Program helps high school graduates brainstorm and develop business ideas to make a pitch for funding. Some initiatives the Youth Entrepreneurship Program developed included: conducting surveys for Al-Aqaba Rural Women’s Restaurant market analysis; a business concept plan for frozen vegetable production; and vocational training for Al-Aqaba Guest House. The program was also accepted to the Microsoft YouthSpark grant program!

When Ida Lund, former Country Representative for Rebuilding Alliance, visited the library in 2018, the librarian, Shoroq, commented that “We are up against time consumers — computer games and smartphones — but I truly believe that books and literature can teach children about life [like] nothing else."
By creating the Ibn Rush’d Library and Youth Entrepreneurship Program, Rebuilding Alliance provided books, a librarian dedicated to expanding children’s love for literature, and an opportunity for social and economic development for the children and youth of Al-Aqaba Village! the talented librarian provides reading programs for children and a hub for career services to teens who have recently graduated from high school. Rebuilding Alliance raised funding to hire the librarian, but on-going funding is required to cover their monthly salary as well as provide scholarships to students and stipends to young teachers.

The Ibn Rush’d Library

Al Aqaba kindergarten attracts students from miles around, and residents want their library to do the same. This remarkable library has become a wonderful place in a safe, rural area.