Age: 11 years

· Grade: Fifth Grade

· Address: Gaza - Yafa Street - Near Al-Mahatta Mosque

· Library she visits: Randa Sami Al-Alami Library

· Institution overseeing the library: Physically Disabled Association

· Address of the overseeing institution (library): Gaza - Al-Zaytoun - Behind Gaza University.

The Story:

Randa Sami Al-Alami Library was established by Ataa Palestine Charitable Association on 02/05/2006, at the premises of the Physically Disabled Association, funded by the family of Dr. Zuhair Al-Alami.

Student Sujood Alwan studies at Shams Al-Amal School, affiliated with the Physically Disabled Association. She suffers from lower paraparesis and uses a wheelchair for all her movements and transportation. At that time, Sujood was suffering from a severe psychological crisis due to the loss of her mother, who had passed away from hepatitis. Sujood was six years old, and the loss of her source of love, care, and hope—especially for a child like her—affected her academic performance and consequently her reading skills. After her teachers experienced difficulties with her due to her reading problems, Sujood was referred to the Randa Sami Al-Alami Library, where the librarian, Mrs. Fathia Al-Mashharawi, welcomed her and included her among the library’s patrons to read stories.

At first, she was simple in her abilities, but they gradually developed to the point where she could read books and stories extensively and continuously. She began to borrow stories regularly, summarize what she read, and narrate them to her siblings and peers at home, as well as to her classmates in the classroom and in the library. This led to improving her performance and academic level, and she became one of the top and outstanding students in all subjects.