Brick factories are fairly secret places, where no NGOs enter. Living and working conditions are extremely difficult. Almost all the families are over-indebted and have asked the owner to cover their debts. Workers find themselves in a situation of dependence on their boss, sometimes spanning several generations. This is an extremely vulnerable population, especially children.
Since 2018, Sipar has been visiting 12 brick factories every week with two mobile libraries. Since October 2023, 20 additional brick factories have also benefited from this initiative, bringing the total number of sites served by four mobile libraries to 32.
They support the socio-educational development of children living on production sites and, more broadly, of teenagers and workers. Sipar's librarian-educators offer a range of activities for children around reading and writing, a book lending service, as well as tutoring and awareness-raising on crucial social issues (hygiene, nutrition, health, violence prevention...)
Our educative impact in brick factories
The impact on children is considerable: improved school enrolment, better literacy and numeracy, better socialization... Parents are also changing their perception of education and grasping its importance. By letting their child go to school, they hope for a better future for all.
The results of our June 2025 survey illustrate the tremendous work carried out by the teams at Sipar and our partner CWPD, exceeding our expectations. Read the article.
When the mobile library arrives at the brick factory, it's always a moment I look forward to. I love choosing books, especially those about fruit and vegetables, which teach me how to eat healthily. Thanks to the mobile library, I read two books a month, and the librarians bring the stories to life.
LENG, Dany
beneficiary of the mobile library in brick factories
Sipar expands its presence in brick factories
Since October 2023, with support from the French Development Agency (AFD), Sipar has been operating four bookmobiles at 32 brick factories to improve the living conditions of more than 3,300 beneficiaries. Beyond providing access to books, this program offers awareness-raising sessions for parents on major social issues and supports out-of-school adolescents through a program focused on personal development and social integration.
Over the course of the three-year project, 20 micro-libraries will be created and run by volunteers from neighboring villages. Open to all surrounding communities, these spaces will provide access to more than 1,000 books suitable for all ages and tastes, fostering a lasting love of reading, access to knowledge, and social connections far beyond the brick factories.
Thank you to our pioneers partners the Fondation Luciole, The Comgest Foundation, l’AFD, Fondation Cassiopée, 1% for Education, La Voix de l’Enfant, Azickia Foundation, Fondation Lama and to Sense Foundation for their support on this ambitious program.
32
brick factories
4
mobiles libraries
3 300
direct beneficiaries
20
micro-libraries in rural villages