A group of young literary advocates opened a used book sale last night with the aim of promoting the joy of reading, as well as raising funds for a good cause.
The event entitled ‘A Hope’ is the brainchild of Saaj Chowdhury and will continue tonight and tomorrow evening at the Matrix Bahrain indoor entertainment centre in Juffair Mall from 5pm to 10pm.
The Asian School graduate wanted to use the free time she has been currently enjoying to give ‘something back to the community’ before heading to Arizona State University to major in genetics.
“It has always been a dream of mine to donate used books to help efforts in sustainable living,” said the 18-year-old from Hoora, “but was always too busy with my studies. With plenty of free time before starting college, it was an ideal opportunity to work on the project.”
More than 570 non-academic, well-loved and well-read books of different genres, priced from 300fils to BD2.500 are being snapped up. All the proceeds will be donated to the Bahrain Association for Parents and Friends of the Disabled (BAPF).
Ms Chowdhury, a member of the charity, is organising the event with her school friend, Adersh Subhash, 18, and 17-year-old Al Noor International School graduate, Surbhi Hazra.
“It is also intended to inspire our generation that the world outside technology can be very beautiful and that many productive things are possible,” added Ms Chowdhury. “Due to the fact that we were responsible for contacting a variety of organisations, we gained a great deal of networking and business experience in organising this event.”
BAPF director Abdullrahman Sayed Ahmed Mohamed Abduljalil also attended the opening of the book drive event to show his support and praised the organisers and volunteers.
“Saaj’s book fair is a great initiative from a group of young people who are using their time and effort to show care for important members in our community, giving them a clear message that ‘we are there for you’,” said Mr Abduljalil.
The BAPF, which was founded in 2003, boasts 140 members and serves people with different disabilities.
“The association has participated in many initiatives to support them through events, projects and collaborative efforts with different governmental and non-governmental entities,” he added.
“Some of these projects include a ‘home care unit’ which is funded by the Social Development Ministry. We also participated in the collection of plastic waste for recycling with the proceeds used to fund the purchase of customised wheelchairs.
“Funds from the book sale initiative will help improve the care and services given to others in need. We highly appreciate Saaj and her team and thank them for their noble efforts.”
The volunteers on the day will include Pranam Bandhu Chowdhury, 28, Ananya Iyer, 18, Aryan C Biju, 19, and Christina Mary Babu, 18.
As well as the opportunity to pick up a book bargain, visitors can also enjoy a fun photo booth, face painting, as well as a meet and greet with Bahrain-based author and poet Fatima Saleem who will be signing copies of her book Unsaid on the closing day.
Also, with every purchase above BD1, visitors will receive a free game at Matrix Bahrain, added Ms Chowdhury.
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