The children’s literature programme of the Anna Lindh Foundation held a regional meeting of University teachers from Egypt, Jordan, Lebanon, Palestine, Syria and Sweden on 18 - 20 November 2008, at the Swedish Institute in Alexandria, Egypt.

The aim of the meeting was to compare different curricula in Children’s Literature taught in the Universities and to discuss common actions and needs to develop the subject as an integral part of the studies.

Eleven teachers participants from different faculties, including education oriented faculties, literature or language faculties, vividly debated about the rightful place of courses on children’s literature: should they be placed in the education faculties or in the literature and language faculties?

The discussions also included the curricula of each teacher, the background necessary to teach children literature, the importance of exchange of experiences between teachers and the current lack, in the field, of any regional exchange mechanisms between teachers and students alike.

The outcome of the activity was the recommendation of inaugurating a ” REGIONAL ASSOCIATION OF UNIVERSITY TEACHERS OF CHILDREN LITERATURE “, to enhance research in the field and to involve the Universities in related activities with the local community. It was further highlighted that the website of the children’s literature programme, which will be launched on line in February 2009 will provide a good platform for exchange of current information.

Participants had a unique opportunity to come into contact and to exchange their curriculum and experiences on children literature and related sectors.

For more information on the ALF Children Literature Programme click here