Library on Wheels: Mobile library bringing joy to children in embattled Kabul

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In a country wrought with war, it's no surprise that many parts of Afghanistan have inadequate libraries and educational resources. But volunteers are rising to the challenge and giving children more access to books. CGTN's Zhu Xuesong has this story now about a mobile library in the capital of Kabul.

This bus looks like part of the city's public transportation system. But instead of passengers, it's full of books for children and teens to discover the joys of reading. Every day from dawn to dusk, it travels the streets of Kabul, opening its doors to those eager.

RAHMAN 12 YEARS OLD "We should try to work hard in order to fulfill our dreams. So I learnt from this story that we have to work hard to be active boys."

This was the brainchild of Freshta Karim, a 25-year-old who recently got her master's degree from a foreign university. She wants to give Kabul's children something that she so badly missed during her own childhood: the chance to enlarge their horizons, free from the shadow of war and poverty.

FRESHTA KARIM FOUNDER, SHARMA BUS LIBRARY "I grew up not having access to libraries, and like me, if you go around and see people, many of us were grown up during war and we did not have access to libraries. It is such an important thing for children to have access to stories. That is how their world is shaped."

Kabul has only 12 libraries – a paltry number to service over 5 million people in the city. A shortage of book resources and deteriorating security conditions are forcing parents to keep their children home, thus lessening reading opportunities. This mobile library now solves that problem and ignites children's passion for reading.

ZHU XUESONG KABUL "I was told that every day this mobile library carries more than 500 books and visits 4 to 5 places within Kabul. There are more than 200 local children that get onto the bus and immerse themselves in books."

NASRATULLAH 13 YEARS OLD "This is my third time here. My aim is to make my reading skills better. We don't have even a library in our school."

Karim says she is trying her best to bring her bus to those living in the suburbs, even though challenges are in her way.

FRESHTA KARIM FOUNDER, SHARMA BUS LIBRARY "Despite all the problems in Afghanistan, we should not stop dreaming. The day when we stop dreaming will be the end of us."

NASRATULLAH 13 YEARS OLD "I wish peace arrive in our country. I also wish our schools will be developed in our country. Apart from these, I don't have any other wishes."

For Karim and hundreds of thousands of Afghan children, this bus library carries not only their passion for reading, but also their pursuit towards their dreams and their hope for peace. Zhu Xuesong, CGTN, Kabul, Afghanistan.