NOW &THEN #15 : SCHOOL LIBRARIES

 Tuesday, 9 March 2021

During a business discussion with Dr. Ghazali Mohd Fadzil on the role of Knowledge Management in government departments and corporate bodies, he shared with me his ongoing project with Universiti Malaysia Kelantan (UMK), focusing on supporting school libraries in Kelantan. His efforts struck a deep chord in me—it reminded me of the dire condition of school libraries in my hometown district of Bachok.

Bachok, like much of Kelantan, is burdened with long-standing socio-economic challenges. After more than three decades of PAS-led government, meaningful development is minimal. Many communities seem caught in a comfort zone, perhaps resigned to a status quo that offers familiarity but little progress.

But what about the children growing up now? In 20 years, they will become adults, carrying mindsets that may diverge dramatically from their parents’. What kind of foundation are we laying for them—intellectually, socially, and spiritually?

Frankly, I’ve lost hope in the current generation of senior adults here. But I have not given up on the future of Kelantan. I feel a personal responsibility—not to change the present, but to sow seeds for the next generation. My late father, Tok Guru Haji Awang Noh, was an education reformist and activist who founded three schools in our kampung: a primary school, a secondary school, and an Islamic school. His legacy continues to inspire me.

In honour of his vision, I am planning  a personal initiative to raise RM1,000,000 for the library of Maahad Amir Indera Putra—an Islamic school founded by my father in 1946, now home to over 1,000 students. This will be the first step in a larger mission to equip at least 50 rural schools in Bachok  with quality library resources, aiming for an additional RM1,000,000 fund.

This is more than a charity project—it is a legacy project. A step toward reshaping the future of education in Bachok and Kelantan in general. Not for today’s comfort, but for tomorrow’s leaders.

Below is how I am going to go about doing it.  To kich start the fund, I must have RM100,000 as a seed capital to get commitments from other donors.

Raising funds for rural schools in Bachok to buy library books is a meaningful initiative that can significantly impact children’s development and future opportunities. Here’s a structured guide to help you get started, followed by a discussion on the benefits of reading beyond textbooks.

🔹 Fundraising Strategies

1. Start with a Compelling Story

People connect with human stories. Share real, relatable narratives of children who have limited access to books at home. Highlight:

   •   The empty shelves in school libraries.

   •   How some children rely solely on textbooks.

   •   The dreams these children have—and how books can help.

Use photos (with permission), short videos, or handwritten notes from students to strengthen the emotional appeal.

2. Crowdfunding Campaign

Use platforms like KitaFund, PitchIN, GoFundMe, or SimplyGiving to reach a wider audience. Be clear about:

   •   Your fundraising goal (e.g., RM10,000 for 5 schools).

   •   What the money will be used for (book purchases, library shelves, reading corners).

   •   How the impact will be measured (number of books bought, reading sessions held, student engagement).

Include updates and thank-you messages to keep supporters involved

3. Partner with Local Businesses

Reach out to:

   •   Bookstores for in-kind donations or discounts.

   •   Cafés and retailers for donation boxes or proceeds from a “charity day.”

   •   Local publishers or authors who may contribute books or host readings.

Offer to publicly acknowledge them on your fundraising page, social media, or printed banners at the schools.

4. School/University Collaboration

Engage students from universities (e.g., UMK, USM) in Bachok or nearby areas for:

   •   Book drives.

   •   Reading volunteer programs.

   •   Social media awareness campaigns.

They can also help you design posters, create reels, and expand outreach.

5. Social Media Awareness Campaign

Launch a hashtag like #BooksForBachok. Share:

   •   Weekly student spotlights.

   •   Progress towards your fundraising goal.

   •   Quick videos on why books matter.

Encourage people to sponsor a child (e.g., RM20 = 2 storybooks).

6. Community Fundraisers

Organize:

   •   A charity walk or run.

   •   A used book bazaar.

   •   A storytelling night.

These events also raise awareness and strengthen community bonds.

📚 Why Children Need Books Beyond Textbooks

1. Builds Imagination and Creativity

Storybooks allow children to dream beyond their immediate world. They learn to think creatively and explore “what if” questions.

2. Improves Language and Communication

Reading widely expands vocabulary, improves grammar, and sharpens listening and speaking skills—especially in bilingual or multilingual environments like Kelantan.

3. Encourages Empathy and Emotional Growth

Books teach children about emotions, relationships, and different life situations. They learn to understand and respect diverse perspectives.

4. Develops Critical Thinking

Non-fiction books, biographies, and storybooks with complex plots help children analyse, question, and reason—key skills for problem-solving.

5. Fosters a Lifelong Love for Learning

When reading is fun, not just exam-focused, children are more likely to become curious, independent learners who seek knowledge throughout life.

Would you like help drafting a proposal or designing a digital flyer for the campaign? I can help with that too.

Great! I can create a digital flyer for your Books for Bachok campaign.

To tailor it perfectly, please provide a few quick details:

🔹 Campaign Info (fill in what you can):

1. Campaign Name (suggested: “Books for Bachok”)

Do you want to keep this name or use something else?

2. Fundraising Goal:

(e.g., RM5,000 to buy 500 children’s books for 3 rural schools in Bachok)

3. Call-to-Action:

(e.g., “Donate Today!”, “Sponsor a Book for RM10!”, “Support Literacy in Rural Kelantan”)

4. How to Donate:

(Do you have a donation platform, bank account, QR code, or contact details?)

5. Your Name or Organization:

(Who should people contact or know is behind this?)

6. Deadline (if any):

(e.g., 31 July 2025)

7. Optional Extras:

      •   Logo (if any)

      •   A …