ZANZIBAR Second Vice President, Hemed Suleiman Abdulla has reaffirmed that the government will continue to take swift and strategic measures to foster a supportive environment for library services in the Isles.

This, according to him, meant to enhance student learning and provide quality education for residents both in Unguja and Pemba.

He made the remarks during the closing ceremony of the Book Festival and World Literacy Day, held at Sheikh Idris Abdulwakil Hall in Kikwajuni, Zanzibar.

Hemed stated that the festival plays a crucial role in promoting a reading culture, encouraging writing, and instilling a love for books within the community. He highlighted that reading opens doors to knowledge, understanding, confidence, and overall development.

The Vice President also revealed that the government is in the process of constructing a large, modern library in the Maisara area which will offer digital services to facilitate easier access to books and broaden reading opportunities for citizens. Additionally, six other libraries are being established across Unguja and Pemba.

He called on the Zanzibar Library Services Board to extend their services to technical college students, orphan care centres, and hospitalised children, ensuring they can continue their education and gain knowledge as part of their fundamental rights.

However, he urged library service providers to strengthen their services further, aiming to inspire more citizens to read and acquire skills beneficial for both personal and community advancement.

Zanzibar’s Minister for Education and Vocational Training, Lela Mohamed Mussa, underscored President Dr Hussein Ali Mwinyi’s commitment to investing in the education sector, with the goal of eradicating ignorance in Zanzibar and producing experts in various fields for the nation's benefit.

The Director of the Zanzibar Library Services Board, Ulfat Abdulaziz Ibrahim, explained that the Book Festival aimed at encouraging the community to utilise library services and build a reading habit, which enhances societal understanding, particularly among school students.

Director Ulfat noted that the celebrations are focused on raising awareness about the importance of reading and encouraging children to develop the habit of visiting libraries to read and gain knowledge and skills for their personal development.

Following the Vice President’s inspection of the exhibition booths and library activities at the event, Prisca Mdee, deputy project director (literacy) at Room to Read said that the organisation, in collaboration with the government, is working on a library project that includes establishing libraries in primary schools and creating online libraries.

She said the initiative is part of global efforts to embrace technological advancements, allowing students, parents, the community, teachers, and various educational stakeholders to access books and information through technology.

Prisca also noted that they are preparing high-quality publications, including teaching books for schools, and providing supplementary books with children's stories to encourage independent reading among young learners.

“For a child to excel academically, the entire community must be involved in educational development. We are implementing this project in four regions of mainland Tanzania, having already reached more than 390 schools, trained over 700 teachers, and impacted over two million students,” she said.

She added that the establishment of school libraries has contributed to reducing truancy and ensuring students receive the education they deserve. Teachers have been motivated and energised, leading to improved student performance.