ماي 8, 2024

Promoting Book Donation: JFF’s Donate a Book Initiative

Planete Verte
أبريل 26, 2024
10:41 صباحًا

In celebration of the International Day of Forests on March 21st and World Water Day on March 22nd, the English Club in Jaafar Elfassi Elfihri high school has spearheaded the “Donate Books Initiative” to promote the culture of donating books, reading, and sustainability education.

On Thursday, March 21, 2024, the English Club is launching a local campaign called “Donate a Book”. To date, more than 378 books have been collected through this initiative.

“Giving books a second life can provide access to knowledge and education for students coming after you,” emphasizes Chaimae, a student advocate for the campaign.

Reading a book opens the gateway to a wider and deeper world, allowing people to think freely and dream bigger. According to Chaimae, donating books not only spreads the joy of reading but also dispels common misconceptions, like the notion that reading is boring or only for nerds.

“Not only does donating books encourage students to be involved in their school community, which strengthens bonds within their educational entourage, but it also instills in them values such as solidarity, generosity, and sense of collaboration,” ,” explained the English teacher and the English Club representative Ayoub Laabidi Rguibi .

Impact on Mental Health

At the campaign launch, student Fatima Zahra highlighted how donating books contributes to building connections and sharing different perspectives, ideas, and knowledge about various topics, ultimately providing a sense of satisfaction.

Walid Aguechar, one of the student contributors, values book donation as a means to connect with

others, show care, and share.

“Donate a Book campaign “has been launched in Jaafar Elfassi Elfihri High School

Therapeutic Benefits

The benefits of donating books extend to mental health as well, offering therapeutic effects that positively impact individuals:

Bibliotherapy: Reading serves as a healing activity that allows exploration of different perspectives and can reduce stress and anxiety. According to research by the University of Sussex, just 6 minutes of reading can reduce stress levels by up to 68 percent.
Helper’s High: Giving stimulates the brain’s reward center, releasing endorphins and dopamine that boost self-esteem and combat depression—a phenomenon known as “helper’s high.”
Community Connection: Donating books creates a sense of community and inspires others to join in the act of giving. It encourages a culture of generosity and compassion that strengthens bonds within the community.
Escape and Exploration: Books offer an escape and a means of emotional expression. Whether through fiction, self-help, or poetry, reading can calm the mind and provide a safe space for exploration.
Calmer Spaces: Bookshops and libraries are sanctuaries that offer a peaceful environment for readers. Browsing physical books, seeking recommendations, and immersing oneself in the world of literature contribute to overall well-being.

Environmental Impact

Donating books can hugely help the environment by reducing the demand for new books and minimizing waste:

Books Production and Environment

The production of books contributes significantly to deforestation, habitat loss, and greenhouse gas emissions. Canopy organization estimates that roughly 3 billion trees, constituting about 35% of the global tree harvest, are utilized for paper production annually. Additionally, some paper production processes require vast amounts of water, leading to the destruction of crucial habitats for numerous species.

The Three Rs: Reuse, Reduce, Recycle

According to the Coordinator for Environmental Education and Sustainable Development Saloua Elyakoubi in Moulay Rachid province donating books aligns with the “Three Rs” rule:

Reuse: Donated books can be reused by others, promoting sharing and reducing the demand for new materials.
Reduce: Donating books diverts them from landfills, reducing solid waste and minimizing environmental impact.
Recycle: Donating books supports the concept of a green economy, conserving resources and energy by reusing materials.

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Recommendations for Sustainability

To further promote sustainability, we recommend encouraging environmentally friendly publishing methods and conscientious book consumption. Building donated book libraries in schools and sharing information on social media, community newsletters, or local bulletin boards can help encourage others to donate books.

When donating books, ensure they are in good condition. Avoid books with torn pages, excessive markings, or strong odors.

Let’s continue to build a community that values reading, sharing, and preserving our environment through book donation. Together, we can make a positive impact—one book at a time.