Jun 03, 2021 15:06 CEST

Systematic awards USD 10,000 to inspirehope and the joy of reading in one of theworld’s largest refugee camps

The winner of the Systematic Joy of Reading Award 2021 is Za’atari CampLibraries: 12 libraries run by refugees with the aim of eradicating illiteracyamong the 79,000 Syrians living in the camp

“Literacy is a bridge from misery to hope,” said former UN Secretary-GeneralKofi Annan, and nothing could be more appropriate for this year’s winner ofthe Systematic Joy of Reading Award, which has just been presented on 3June at the international library conference Next Library®.

The winner of the Systematic Joy of Reading Award 2021 was Za’atari Camp

Libraries, which is the first library system worldwide to be run solely byrefugees. The 12 libraries in the Jordanian camp are an important source oflearning for many of the 79,000 Syrians living there – especially the children.Syrian children and young people are often referred to as ‘the lostgeneration’, because war has robbed them of their schooling, and many ofthem are ashamed that they are unable to read and write.

Za’atari Camp Libraries offers, among other things, tailored reading literacyprogrammes, teaching, storytelling, poetry and writing clubs, Internet access,a coffee & Koran club, and advice on the use of digital and social media. Thelibrary services are targeted and adapted to the cultural backgrounds, agesand other demographic aspects of the refugees, ensuring that there issomething on offer to meet everyone’s needs. In addition, 10 ‘social boxes’are placed around the camp which make books, household articles,information and other learning materials available to the residents of Za’atari.

When the project was named as winner of the Systematic Joy of ReadingAward 2021 and the accompanying prize of USD 10,000, Karen Fischer,Professor at the University of Washington in Seattle that supports libraries atZa’atari Camp through UNHCR said: 

"In terms of what it means for the librarians, it’s just incredible to have thisglobal recognition. Because there’s no example of anything like the Za’atariCamp libraries anywhere in the world. Any other refugee setting, typically it’san NGO that operates a very small collection of books, or maybe you wouldhave other volunteers coming from outside. So what the Za'atari librarianshave done is truly just miraculous, because everybody is self-trained. Nobodyhas a professional degree in librarianship. Everything they do is based on theneeds of the community."

IFLA president impressed by complex collaboration

The fact that the librarians are self-taught enthusiasts, who work withexternal experts to create a true diversity of offers in a community withlimited opportunities and meagre resources, also made a big impression onthe president of the International Federation of Library Associations (IFLA)Christine Mackenzie, who presented the award virtually:

“The theme of my IFLA presidency is ‘Let’s work together’, and this project is

such a great example of the power of collaboration. It has required a hugeeffort and a lot of goodwill to develop this network of 12 libraries, and thefact that it is supported by six different NGOs only adds to the complexity. Ican only imagine how much negotiation and discussion took place; and it is areal tribute to all those involved that you have made it work. This partnershipis surely one of the main reasons that you are successful and have achievedso much," she said.

Learning is a lifeline and provides hope for a better future

There is a huge need for learning in the camp. A large proportion of the79,000 refugees have had very limited access to education because of wartrauma, early marriages, poverty and limited access to books, the Internet andelectricity.

“The libraries in Za’atari are a lifeline for people in an extremely difficultsituation. Giving these refugees the opportunity to learn, read and expressthemselves provides them with hope and the possibility of a better future,”says jury member and Group Senior Vice President at Systematic MartinBrøchner-Mortensen.

The international jury behind the Systematic Joy of Reading Award placedparticular emphasis on the following values in the Za’atari Camp Librariesproject:

• Focuses on parents as role models for children’s reading habits• Creates conditions that foster learning and concentration• Provides materials adapted to different goals and age groups

such as games, books, songs, audio books and oral storytelling• Recognises the importance of local communities and the

possibility of making a difference in people’s lives• Focuses on the importance of the physical and social

environments for reading

Facts about the Za’atari Camp, Jordan

Home to 79,000 Syrian refugees

Houses 32 schools, eight medical clinics, 58 residents’ centres

Facts about Za’atari Camp Libraries

Za’atari Camp Libraries is funded by the Norwegian Refugee Council,Blumont, Relief International, Questscope, Lutheran World Federation andthe King Hussein Foundation.

The project comprises 12 libraries, which organise the distribution of books,teaching activities, reading aloud and much more.

The project benefits about 20,000 illiterate people of all ages.

The Za’atari Camp houses 1,500 companies – but not a single bookshop.

Facts about the Joy of Reading Award

The Joy of Reading Award was established by Systematic in collaborationwith Next Library® – an international library conference that brings togetherlibrary professionals from all over the world every other year in Aarhus,Denmark. The award was presented for the third time on 3 June 2021 atDokk1 in Aarhus as an online event.

The award comes with a prize of USD 10,000, and the winner is selected byan international jury.

The award was first presented in 2017 at the Next Library Conference inDenmark by HRH Princess Laurentien of the Netherlands, who founded theReading & Writing Foundation.

Established in 1985, Systematic A/S develops software and system solutionsto customers in both the public and private sector. A common feature ofthese customers is a need to integrate, compare and analyse large volumes ofcomplex data, and to generate an overview that allows decision-makingbased on a solid foundation, often in critical situations.

Systematic’s software solutions are used in healthcare, intelligence, lawenforcement, defence, education, renewable energy and utilities industries.

Today, Systematic is the largest privately owned software company inDenmark, with solutions sold to customers in 50+ countries. More than 1million people worldwide use Systematic solutions and services every day.

Systematic has approximately 1,100+ employees and is headquartered inAarhus, Denmark, with offices in Copenhagen, Australia, Canada, Finland,Germany, New Zealand, Sweden, the United Arab Emirates, the UnitedKingdom, Romania and the United States. www.systematic.com

Contacts

Maia Lindstrøm SejersenPress ContactPR & Communication Managermaia.lindstrom.sejersen@systematic.com+45 4196 5013