T HE reading habit particularly in the early years helps children improve language skills, comprehension and analytical and critical thinking. Furthermore, it gives children a chance to explore the world through their imagination. Unfortunately, this fascinating activity today is a distant dream for the under privileged youth in ruralareasofPakistan.
The unavailability of libraries means no access to books and other reading material.
Owing to a lack of libraries, these young people are left with no option but waste most of their time aimlessly. This trend must be reversed, for the youth of today is the future of tomorrow.
In this regard, libraries, or at least mobile units housing mini-libraries, should be established in rural areas with the help of public-private partnership and civil society to encourage a reading culture.
This action will provide the youth of rural areas an opportunity to experience the joy of reading, expand their knowledge, and with their enlightened mindset participate constructively in shaping a brighter future for Pakistan.
