Libraries to honour Algerian pupil

DUBAI // Ten new libraries to be opened in Algeria will be named after teenager Fatima Gholam, who died on her way to participate in the final round of the Arab Reading Challenge. Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, issued the directive after the Algerian pupil, 17, died in an accident while travelling 18 hours by car to Algiers to take part in the event.

The first library, to be opened in Adrar in south-west Algeria, will stock 3,000 books and serve 545 pupils at Belkin II Secondary School, considered one of the best institutions in the region. The Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Initiatives, which organises the challenge, will coordinate with the Algerian ministry of education for the books to be shipped.

The late pupil’s family was awarded first place in the challenge as a tribute to Fatima, who was hailed as the “martyr of knowledge”.

“This accident, with all the pain of loss it brought, has turned into a ray of light and hope for thousands of students to gain knowledge, which will immortalise the name of Fatima Gholam in the modern memory of Algeria,” said Najla Al Shamsi, secretary general of the reading challenge.

Each new library will carry thousands of books to benefit students and encourage them to participate in the reading contest.