In times of humanitarian crisis, knowledge becomes a powerful tool for rebuilding lives and fostering resilience. Guided by this belief, the Rafat Al-Arair Library was established within the Injured People of Gaza Complex in Qatar as a community-based library offering a supportive cultural and educational space.
The library holds a collection of over 3,500 books, with dedicated sections for children and young adults, along with a space for interactive workshops. It plays a vital role in psychological support through reading, group sessions, and art therapy activities.
To enhance accessibility, the library is integrating digital resources via a website featuring e-books and audiobooks. Its growth is fueled by partnerships and community donations, which support the expansion of its programs.
To ensure long-term sustainability, the library is developing strategies that include fundraising initiatives, staff training, and expanding its services to benefit future generations.
Presenter
Rahaf Ibrahim Adnan Al-Salhi, Researcher in the Humanities
A graduate in Islamic Jurisprudence and its Principles from the University of Jordan, she began her journey teaching the Qur’an to children. She later earned a diploma in Child Psychology from Penn Foster University in the United States.
She is the founder of the “Hudhuda for Childhood” initiative, which aims to support mothers throughout their parenting journey. With training in the science of play, she independently designed interactive art-based sessions to help children reflect and contemplate on the Qur’an in a meaningful and age-appropriate way.
Her research interests lie at the intersection of Islamic and human sciences. Most recently, her focus has shifted toward libraries, leading to the establishment of the Rafat Al-Arair Community Library in Qatar in 2023, created to serve the Gaza community. She is currently working on developing and expanding its impact.