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Children in Egypt Choose Books, Receive Inspiration at Workshops

Over five hundred children participated in workshops held in nine different locations throughout Egypt between July 4 and July 24, where they learned the joy of reading for the first time in a nation plagued by one of the highest illiteracy rates in the world and an educational system that supports illiteracy by stifling a child’s desire to read. In Cairo, the children shared their stories with others through creative skits. One child from Giza was so inspired by his new book, he started to write his own story.

Another girl said beaming, “This was the first time I got to choose a book by myself that is really mine.” Many of the children started to read their books in the hall even before they got home.

In Egypt, reading is rarely a recreational activity. Colorful and engaging books are very difficult to come by for many Egyptian children, and in school they learn to read through rote memorization of dull materials. From such early experiences, many Egyptian children grow up to see reading as a chore and do not fully develop their potential for curiosity, imagination, and critical thinking, or the verbal and written communication skills vital for future success.

Not only did the workshops instill the motivation that the children need to acquire such skills by reading, many of the books distributed themselves teach social skills that the children will carry with them through life. For example, one child, Marina, picked up a book entitled, “How to Choose a Friend.” “I needed this book so much and it inspired me deeply,” she said after the event.

Mr. Anis Adib, the facilitator present from Coptic Orphans partner Caritas, said that he was not only “amazed” at the number of children who showed up for the workshops, but also at the depth, seriousness, and enthusiasm with which the children participated. “What wonderful questions the children asked, and what serious interaction [among them],” he remarked.