The books were distributed by two local expatriate groups — Bazm-e-Osmania and Indian Cultural Society Jeddah.

“About 16,000 old books were collected, but out of these only 12,000 were fit for distribution,” said Arif Quraishi, speaking on behalf of the two organizations. He added that old uniforms, bags and shoes were also handed out.

Parents came from as far afield as Makkah and Taif to collect the books.