A group of local booklovers in the Bay of Plenty have thrown their support around a project to supply suitable books to the underground book club network in Afghanistan. 

“The new Afghan government banned books for girls,” says group spokesperson Rosario Aran.

A group of eight girls in Afghanistan founded underground book clubs, says a World Literacy Foundation spokesperson.

“In 2022, the Afghan government banned books for girls, along with secondary education for girls.

“No school. No books. How are these girls going to develop the love of reading and literacy skills that are so important for their futures?”

“Since the banning of books in my town, I am losing hope for my future dreams of an education and a better future. I wish to be able to read books again," says Afghanistan girl Yashfa.

A previously hardworking young learner, Yashfa has joined an underground book club around Kabul to share what books they can.

“These brave young girls hold reading sessions in secret locations to avoid retribution. They risk fines and other persecution if they’re caught," says a World Literacy Foundation spokesperson.

“With World Literacy Day coming up on 8 September, we urge you to support these courageous girls with the gift of books.”

“As fellow booklovers, we wanted to do something practical to support all the booklover women and girls in this country,” says Rosario.

Rosario says the group started to partner with the underground book clubs’ books in Afghanistan and offer to supply them with books and educational resources to foster their love of reading.

“On World Literacy Day, September 8, we are asking people from the Bay of Plenty to join us and advocate for girls in Afghanistan. 

“As a lover of books, l couldn’t even imagine if l wasn’t allowed to read books anymore.”

The Bay of Plenty group of booklovers have partnered with the World Literacy Foundation on World Literacy Day to support 3000 girls in Afghanistan by providing access to books any way they can. 

“We invite you to enlighten and change the life of thousands of girls in Afghanistan. Join us.”  

For further details go to  https://worldliteracyfoundation.org/ 

To contact Rosario Aran email   rosario.aran@worldliteracyfoundation.org