In 2006, the Anna Lindh Euro-Mediterranean Foundation, with the support of the Swedish International Development Agency (SIDA), launched  a three years regional programme to promote children's literature and reading in the MENA region (Middle East and North Africa), especially in Egypt, Jordan, Syria, Palestine, Lebanon.  Then it was further extended for 18 months from 1 January 2010 to 30 June 2011.

The mission of the programme isto foster the development of children in the Arab region through promoting among children the reading of Arabic children’s books. 

Reading for Fun is Reading for Development

Our point of departure is the right of all children (according to the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child) to develop to the fullest and participate in cultural and social life, without discrimination. Promoting reading among children is to promote the emotional, social and intellectual development of children and enable them to participate in the development of their society.

First Regional Programme for the Development of Arab Children’s Literature

As a regional programme, a major aim is to increase dialogue between Arab countries in the field of children’s literature and reading promotion through providing stakeholders with opportunities for contact-making, networking and cooperation.

The programme targets all the sectors related to reading: teachers, librarians, publishers, writers, illustrators, producers, distributors, media, universities, public associations working in the field of children literature as well as related ministries and governmental institutions.

Working through a Network of Partners:

This regional programme aims at stimulating activities in the different countries of the MENA region as regards children’s literature. Besides activities at the regional level, a substantial part of the programme funding has been set aside for the programme host institutions in the respective countries.

Egypt

Integrated Care Society

Secretary General: Ms. Farida El-Wakil

General Manager: Mr. Raouf Ismail

Contact Person: Ms. Heba Mohamed Ismail

Address: 42 Abdallah Draz St., Off el Thawra St, Ard El Golf, Heliopolis, Cairo - Egypt

Telephone: +20 2 24172084

E-Mail: gmanager@ics.org.eg

Website: www.ics.org.eg

Jordan

The Arab Foundation for Sustainable Development (Ruwwad)

Regional Director: Ms. Samar Dudin

Contact Person: Ms. Mariam Abou Adas

Address:  Shams Jabal Library, Al Gabal al Nazeef, P.O. Box 610610 Amman, 11161 Jordan

Telephone: +962 6 4653088

E-Mail: info@ruwwad.net

Website: www.ruwwad.jo

Lebanon

Assabil, Friends of Public Libraries

President: Ms. Lina Tannir

Contact Person: Ms. Doris Summer

Address: Mohamad el Hout St. Naoura Bdg, Ras Nabaa, Beirut – Lebanon

Telephone: +961 1 66 77 01

E-Mail: assabiloffice@gmail.com

Website: www.assabil.com

Palestine

Tamer Institute for Community Education

General Director: Ms. Renad Qubbaj

Contact Person:  Ms. Ruba Totah

Address: El Zahraa street, Shoeib building, second floor, Ramallah-Palestine

Telephone: +97222986121

E-Mail: tamer@palnet.com

Website: www.tamerinst.org

Syria

Some photos of the Programme:

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For more information, visit the Arab Children's Literature Programme website.