"EDUCATION IS THE BACKBONE OF A NATION"
During the Bangladesh liberation war of 1971, some of the most heinous attacks were carried out against professors, philosophers, poets, and writers. I remember my dad used to tell me stories of how many open executions of the most literate people of Bangladesh were carried out. While he fought for the nation many libraries, schools, and universities were being demolished by the oppressors.
When my mother taught me from history books written in Bengali, she used to tell me that the oppressors very well knew that they'd never break the spirit of the defenders, so they tried their very best to break the line of knowledge and education to handicap the nation for good. It left a powerful imprint in my memory and to date it lingers very vividly. In Chernihiv, a library was destroyed, and in Kharkiv, the V.N. Karazina University was attacked. Similar stories are emerging from all over Ukraine now.
In Poland, many Ukrainian children have started going to school. In the shelter I am at in the Netherlands, most of the children have also begun going to school. It is really important that these innocent children continue their education, and we are grateful that they can. Educational institutions always have had a special place in my heart. The Liberation war of 1971 and the atrocities against present knowledge and future education that occurred during the war may have solidified my stand for education. That is one of the many reasons I loved KBK - so many books and of so many kinds!
I was at a Vodafone store trying to buy a sim card. I met one Mohammed there who helped me out with everything. We began talking, very casually. Very kind and compassionate guy, he is. A small part of the conversation was about my interest in learning the Dutch language and going about it. You see, in the Netherlands, you almost never need to speak Dutch. Everyone speaks perfect English. But that can be a double-edged sword especially if you want to learn Dutch since DuoLingo might help you pick up a few things, but without anyone to practice with, you'll never learn to speak it properly. So Mohammed recommended I go to the Bibliotheek.
The library is at the very center of the city. It is a beautiful building of so much knowledge and importance. Some parts of it reminded me of the library in KNMU in Kharkiv. Previously, the library was very outdated in design. Not many computers to use and vintage furniture from the soviet times. But recently they remodeled it completely. A new giant collection of books. Plenty of new and modern computer systems with fast internet. Beautiful modern design and furniture. But who knows what condition is it now.
The Bibliotheek here is a 4-storied building. There are two help and information desks as soon as you enter eager to assist you. Really friendly staff that guided me through all my queries. There is a coffee shop inside as well as an outdoor space for those who like such a setting. You can borrow books on any floor as well as take books with you given you meet all requirements.
 |  |
|---|
Any one from Ukraine can come to the library here and get a library card like this one. All they have to do is show a valid form of identity, phone number and address. The card I have now is for the computer. With this card I can use the library computer for an hour completely free of charge. From the second hour it has a payment plan. I can also print things for around 20 cents for black and white, and it is a little more expensive for colored printouts.
There is a different card for borrowing books. All the cards are given free and come with your information and a barcode on the back. Every Ukrainian is eligible for such cards and can top them up with Euros either themselves from designated machines or at the help desk. I used the computer for an hour doing some research of my rights in the Netherlands, and re-reading the links @soyrosa had sent me earlier to see if I had missed anything.
On my way out I inquired about beginner Dutch books at the information desk. They told me there is a Dutch speaking club organized within the library and I was welcome to join if I wanted. There are a lot of Ukrainians with me who share my enthusiasm to learn the language and I think this speaking club can be very valuable to the lot of us. They also gave me a pamphlet for the language consultant who is available every morning on weekdays. These programs are free for everyone, including Ukrainains. Combining the resources I have online as well as the different programs in the library, I believe this might be a very solid start towards speaking Dutch.
Affiliate links
Rising Star
Exode
Huobi
Appics
Splinterlands
Actifit
Binance
Ionomy
Cryptex
One step at a time, glad you found the library and they have some usefull offers for you!
Thanks for helping Rosa!
It has been great so far. Had a very good day in the library today.
Great news as knowing Dutch is a must and the sooner you start, the better. I'm glad you got help. Keep up the good work. Never give up!
I agree. It'd help me in many ways. Thank you.
Yay! 🤗
Your content has been boosted with Ecency Points, by @erikah.
Use Ecency daily to boost your growth on platform!
Support Ecency
Vote for new Proposal
Delegate HP and earn more
Goed idee, vriend!
Check out https://www.reddit.com/r/learndutch/ where you can ask questions about how to learn Dutch and later about grammar and such.
Thank you! It looks like a very resourceful subreddit. I think it is finally time I make a reddit account.
Learning Dutch sounds like a wonderfully therapeutic way to integrate yourself into the tremendous change you have experienced. And what a beautiful library. I am glad to read that you are finding your way and meeting good people. Thank you for sharing.
It is also very important for me to learn Dutch since english-speaking doctors arent very desirable here. It is so much prettier in person, the photos don't do it justice.
Thank you for stopping by!
That's not true English departments are everywhere on our hospitals BUT Dutch aside is an advantage
Libraries are true treasures and it makes me happy that you are excited about this one! ♥️
Indeed very excited. Had a productive day there.
@tipu curate 💙💛 🇺🇦 💛💙
Upvoted 👌 (Mana: 150/500) Liquid rewards.
Thank you for sharing this amazing post on HIVE!
Your content got selected by our fellow curator @priyanarc & you just received a little thank you via an upvote from our non-profit curation initiative!
You will be featured in one of our recurring curation compilations and on our pinterest boards! Both are aiming to offer you a stage to widen your audience within and outside of the DIY scene of hive.
Join the official DIYHub community on HIVE and show us more of your amazing work and feel free to connect with us and other DIYers via our discord server: https://discord.gg/mY5uCfQ !
If you want to support our goal to motivate other DIY/art/music/homesteading/... creators just delegate to us and earn 100% of your curation rewards!
Stay creative & hive on!
My mother works in University library, :) best wishes from Kraków ! Keep a good spirit.
That's amazing! Thanks and good wishes to you too!