As summer draws to a close, travellers return home. Schools reopen. Regular rhythms restart. And so it is, also, with MMR projects.
Oasis Tadjourah was the first to reopen, as it is closed for only two months. Thanks to the amazing local staff, Oasis reopens every year at the beginning of September. This year, the library was open for kids on Tuesday 2nd September. Shortly thereafter, the library was opened to the public, Tuesday to Thursday and Saturday and Sunday.
However, as with all projects, the reopening process started a few days before the doors officially opened. First, there was a lot of cleaning to be done. In Djibouti, even a short closure allows dust to build up – in plenty! Everything must be cleaned. Then books need to be unpacked from the plastic bags or cloths used to protect them during the summer. Sometimes, some rearranging is needed. New toys, games, and books have to be categorized and added to the shelves. Only then can the doors be opened to the neighbourhood.
Oasis Balbala opened next, on 23rd September. The kids had already been gathering during the days of cleaning to ask when the library was going to open so the first day was busy. The library is now open on Saturdays for morning and afternoon sessions and on two other afternoons – Mondays and Wednesdays. Adult evening sessions will open later in the season.
As people resettle in the country and the libraries reopen, it is a time of rejoicing, to reconnect with familiar faces, to meet new ones, and to resume playing and learning.
What educational adventures will our students experience this year?
Kerith Trust 