Iman and Rahaf are two teenage girls who love to read. From learning about science to reading thought-provoking novels, books are their escape from daily challenges. Like many girls their age, Iman and Rahaf enjoy exploring the local library, though it is not a typical library.
The library is located in a displacement camp in northeast Syria. Constructed by Blumont and run by our community mobilization team, it is set away from thousands of tents where displaced families, like Iman’s and Rahaf’s, live.
The library is a quiet place where anyone can go to learn, read, or be creative amidst the realities of displacement. Our team works to curate books and activities of interest for everyone who visits. The library is also a safe space where we offer emotional and psychosocial support services to youth and women.
For Iman and Rahaf, the library has been a way to learn about themselves as well as new subjects, cultures, and worlds. Reading has brought them a new vision for the future, one beyond the boundaries of the displacement camp. Iman is even writing a novel, while Rahaf is involved in organizing and hosting activities at the library.
For the International Day of the Girl, members of our team talked to Iman and Rahaf to learn about their experience and what reading means to them. Note that all names have been changed for security purposes and the interview has been translated and edited for clarity.
How did you feel at first when you started visiting the library?
Rahaf: I felt a great sense of wonder. It was a new experience for me, as I found myself surrounded by a huge number of books containing different worlds and intriguing stories. I felt immense joy discovering this place that allowed me to learn about diverse ideas and cultures.
What has changed in your life since you started visiting the library?
Iman: These daily visits gave me a peaceful haven away from daily pressures. The sense of comfort and reassurance I feel in the library has become an essential part of my life.
Rahaf: Since I started visiting the library, my life has changed significantly. The Blumont team members first invited me to psychological support sessions at the library, and then it became a place where I gained more self-confidence as they highlighted my strengths. I began to feel I had gained inner strength or found a place that protected me. The library is an important factor in improving my mental health.
Tell us about a book you’ve chosen to read. How did this book affect you?
Rahaf: I chose the book “About Things That Hurt You” initially because I was going through a difficult time filled with sadness and depression. I was fearful from the bullying I was experiencing from other kids. When I found the book, it felt like it was expressing my feelings and describing my fears and sadness in a deep way. The book was like a refuge for me, easing some of the pain I was feeling and making me realize that I was not alone in these emotions.
Iman: I discovered the book “The Fruit of Knowledge,” which gave me a new perspective on how science can change our lives. This book inspired me and made me appreciate the value of learning. I also found the book “What Your Soul Needs in Difficult Times,” which helped me deal with difficult emotions and challenging times. It gave me with advice and support that I needed to overcome challenges and lift my spirits. Each of these books had a significant impact on my life, making me feel better and expanding my horizons.
How have your relationships with others, both in the library and in your daily life, changed since you started visiting the library?
Iman: I have become calmer and more understanding, which is reflected in my interactions with those around me. Reading has given me space for reflection and thought, making me better able to handle others with patience and empathy.
Rahaf: In the library, I made new friends with people who share my interest in books, and discussing what we read from novels and cultural topics has made us closer.
Rahaf, do you remember a specific moment when you felt a real change in your life from reading or spending time in the library?
Rahaf: The specific moment when I felt a real change in my life was when I helped organize an art exhibition at the library. On that day, I was surrounded by beautiful artworks and paintings that I loved very much. Seeing those paintings made me realize the impact of art and books on my life, and how the library became a place that brings together knowledge and creativity.
How do you see your future now that reading has become part of your daily life?
Rahaf: Now that reading has become part of my daily life, I see my future with more clarity and optimism. I dream of becoming a teacher and sharing my love for reading with children. I want to teach them not only academic subjects but also how books can be a source of knowledge, happiness, and change.
Iman, how did the library help you discover your passion for writing and novels?
Iman: The style in the stories I read taught me how to build dialogues naturally and develop plots in engaging ways. As a result, I gained a clearer vision of how to shape ideas and turn them into compelling stories. The library is not just a place for reading for me but also a source of inspiration and creativity that drives me to develop my writing skills and achieve my dreams.
What challenges have you faced while writing your own novel, and how are you working to overcome them?
Iman: The biggest challenge I faced in trying to write my own novel was a lack of motivation. Being in my tent is not helpful either, as it’s not quiet or inspiring enough for writing. To overcome this challenge, I set specific times for writing and worked on creating as comfortable an environment as possible in the tent. Additionally, I read books that inspired me, which helped recharge my creative energy.
How do you envision your future as a writer, and what would you like to convey through your novels?
Iman: The message I would like to convey through my novels is that every experience, whether beautiful or challenging, carries lessons that contribute to personal growth and change. I want my novels to touch people’s hearts, inspire them to think in new ways, and help them deal with their challenges positively.
Do you have any advice for other girls?
Iman: My advice for girls who feel sad or lonely and are looking for their passion is to try picking up a book and starting to read. Through reading, you might find new inspiration and passion and discover different aspects of the world around you.
Rahaf: I encourage girls to try reading as a way to escape difficulties and explore new worlds. Books can be a source of strength, and they help you understand yourself and overcome problems. Through reading, you can find support and hope and become more capable of overcoming any obstacle you face.
