A number of youth in Samangan province say they are working to promote a culture of reading among the people, particularly the younger generation, by establishing private libraries and cultural institutions.
They say that despite economic challenges, lack of facilities, and limited access to reading resources, efforts to expand a culture of reading continue.
Ziaullah Ahmadi, a 23-year-old from Khuram Wa Sarbagh district of Samangan and a student of economics, says he has established a private library in Khuram Wa Sarbagh district. He adds that their goal is to promote a culture of reading and raise youth awareness.
“This library contains around four to five thousand books, and daily between 5 and 15 youth come to read. With the cooperation of families and youth, we have organized programs such as seminars, cultural gatherings, and incentive events, which have been well received by the people and have increased youth interest in reading,” he says.
Similarly, other youth have also taken steps by establishing cultural organizations. Tabriz, a 22-year-old from Samangan and director of the “Rah-e-Danesh” institution, says he has been active in this organization for the past two years. He says,
“The aim of establishing this institution has been to promote a culture of reading and address the shortage of libraries in Samangan and surrounding districts. Currently, the institution contains about 1,200 books, and 7 to 8 people visit daily for reading. We have organized programs such as seminars, book presentations, and cultural gatherings to encourage youth, and we aim to expand these activities further in the future.”
He adds that lack of facilities and financial resources is one of the main challenges facing their cultural activities, but with the support of friends and family, they have managed to keep the institution active.
Meanwhile, some youth are attempting to establish similar centers in remote areas. Hojjatullah Munib, a 21-year-old from Samangan and a student of economics, says he plans to establish a library in Ruyi Du Ab district because there is no library in the area and youth do not have access to reading materials.
“In this regard, we have held meetings with youth and shared our plan with the Department of Information and Culture, which has promised cooperation. We also plan to hold awareness programs and seminars before launching, and it is expected that 10 to 15 youth will use this library daily,” he says.
He adds that despite economic problems, his family and friends have promised support, and he hopes to achieve this goal in the near future.
Meanwhile, Assistant Professor Ali Jawid Safdari, a lecturer in the Faculty of Literature, says that it is truly a matter of pride and happiness to see youth taking responsibility for promoting a culture of reading by establishing cultural institutions. He adds,
“Such initiatives show that our young generation is not only focused on personal development but, with a deep understanding of society’s needs, is also contributing to its intellectual and cultural growth. Honestly, such initiatives are warmly welcomed in academic circles. We believe that promoting a reading culture is the foundation of all forms of progress and awareness in society, and when this movement is initiated by youth themselves, its value and impact are significantly greater.”
Cultural experts also emphasize that reading books plays an important role in intellectual development, raising the level of awareness, and reducing social abnormalities, and that attention to this area can contribute to societal progress.
Officials of public libraries in Samangan also say that in recent years, youth interest in reading books has increased, and various programs have been launched to encourage them.
Jan Mohammad Amiri, Manager of Public Libraries at the Department of Information and Culture of Samangan province, says,
“Public libraries operate under the Ministry of Information and Culture, and we also support the establishment of private libraries. The central library contains more than twelve thousand books, and our goal is to promote a culture of reading in both the provincial center and the districts. We organize programs such as book week, seminars, and incentive events to encourage youth to read and raise awareness in society.”
Some experts believe that if youth initiatives in the cultural sector are supported, they can contribute to cultural and scientific development in society and guide the younger generation toward awareness and progress.
Reporter: Farahnaz Zaheri
