The Quezon City Library and Information Center is giving street children a chance to learn to read kiddie books such as “The Little Mermaid” or “Ibong Adarna.”
The QCLIC organized the Lib and Rary book club for out-of-school youth and street children, mostly non-readers. The club already has 87 active members.
Everyday, the QCLIC serves at least 10 non-studying kids, mostly street children, who visit the library’s reference corner to read books, color pictures, watch educational videos and play with one another under the guidance of an office staff.
According to QCLIC head, Emelita Villanueva, caring for and molding street children “is a heart’s mandate that we consider extraordinary.”
Villanueva said “these small library guests who usually visit the QCLIC in slippers, shorts and tank tops, enjoy learning new words. They explore the world through reading and learn the values they will hold when they grow up.”
She added that “aside from teaching them how to read, we listen to their life stories and sentiments, give inspiring advice when needed. We also serve them a little snack because most of the time they come to the library with an empty stomach.”
The QCLIC has a collection of 2,617 books, which includes textbooks, Disney collections, Filipino folklore and fables, coloring books and value-forming references.