Developing libraries and promoting reading in Tunisia

Development of libraries and primary schools

There are 16 public libraries and 350 primary schools in the governorate of Kasserine, located in the center-west of Tunisia. Yet according to a study conducted by COBIAC in 2012, despite the existence of infrastructures, reading is not seen as enough of a priority for the country's economic and social development.  This is why COBIAC is helping libraries and public schools to compensate for certain deficiencies: unwelcoming facilities, outdated and tatty books, the lack of textbooks in schools, etc. And after the initiatives launched in 2012 and 2014, COBIAC wants to pursue its action in this region and continue contributing to the development of reading in schools and libraries.

COBIAC wants to pursue its action in this region and continue contributing to the development of reading in schools and libraries

^{COBIAC wants to meet the need for reading areas for children © COBIAC} 

Providing young people with places to read

COBIAC wants to meet the need, expressed by staff working in cultural and educational centers, for reading areas for children. The emergence of these areas would give these youths a better chance of becoming readers, by developing their reading skills and their desire to learn.

The project consists in:

• improving children's reading areas in libraries
• creating places for reading in schools
• helping to improve book collections
• training the personnel in charge of these areas

The Air Liquide Foundation's contribution

The Air Liquide Foundation is supporting COBIAC by financing the acquisition and delivery of books in French and Arabic, as well as training for librarians and teachers.