Ferzane Eli has been developing a book reading project for 3 years at the Endêşe Enlightenment Center in Sulaymaniyah. 

She reads to children every Friday. And every Friday, many children come to listen to her.

Originally from Rojhilat, Ferzane Eli lives in Sulaymaniyah. 

Speaking to Rojnews about the project she initiated, Ferzane Eli said: “Children are our future. So we have to get them to read books. We need to stimulate reading and make it a culture.

The aim of the project is to enable each child to discuss the story and the book. We comment on what is good and what is bad. Children can express themselves in plain language by reading books.”

Alongside Ferzane Eli, are many writers, intellectuals and artists who come to support the project and read books for children.

Doctor Havin Kemal, who has been involved in the book reading project for children for a month, said: “My goal is to talk to children about health. I provide information about health for the protection of children from diseases.”

Many children working in the market also spend Friday at the center to listen to the books reading.

A child who had to leave school to work for his family and is working in the market said: “I love listening to stories. I wish I could read and write. I couldn't go to school. I had to work to support my family.”

Initially, participation in the book reading project launched at the Center for Enlightenment was limited. Now, on Fridays, more than 50 children come to the Center to listen to the books reading.