Protection and Social Rehabilitation Centre (AMAN), which is part of Qatar Foundation for Social Work started activating the initiative “ My book is my friend" by providing a vending machine for  children books and stories at the children hospitals, as per the approved plane for providing the machines to all the state vital areas for children assembly like Malls, Cinemas, General Parks and children clinics and Airports.

The machines had been installed at al Saad Emergency, Al-Rayan Emergency, Al-Ahli Hospital and Sidra Hospital. The machine provides books and stories for children with subsidized prices (non-profit) to Educate and encourage children to read and acquire books to learn about his rights and duties.

The device operates by using the same mechanism of all the devices used to sell beverages and sweets. It was designed according to the special specifications of the child taking into consideration the length and ease of use and instructions with selected types of books and stories useful and appropriate for the child

Aman Center launched the initiative in the attendance of His Excellency Mr. Salah bin Ghanim Al Ali, Minister of Culture and Sports and, CEO of Qatar Foundation for Social Work, Amal Bint Abdul Latif Al Mannai

Mansour Al-Saadi - Executive Director: 20,000 books had been distributed in less than a month.

Mr. Mansour Al-saadi the executive director of Aman Center expressed that This initiative contributes in achieving the first goal of Aman Center to contribute in educating and awarness of the child, especially in light of the challenges that our children face from violent electronic games." In the success of that initiative, which we took into account the cognitive and cultural needs of our children on the one hand, and take into account the customs and traditions of the community where the selected books were subjected to careful review by professors and specialists to ensure that the books appropriate to the children.

He said that since the launch of the initiative on the occasion of the World Children's day, the installation of the machines at Doha international book Fair, we succeeded in distributing 20 Thousand books in less than a month. and found great interest either from children or their parents, especially with the gifts for encouraging children.

He added that Aman Center has found a great response from those who hastened to request the hosting of the Machine, and provided the necessary facilities for the success of this initiative, whether in hospitals, malls or cinemas. The children's parents also expressed their admiration for the idea.

Amna Al Mahmoud “The machines are suitable for children with special needs"

Amna Al Mahmoud, Head of programs design and development at Aman Center, said that the center was keen to branch out the existing books through contracting with different publishing houses. The books were also selected according to the age classification of children. The devices were prepared so that they could be used by children with special needs in an easy and convenient manner With their level of disability.

she added that the center is in the process of contracting a new set of machines to meet the increasing demand for hosting the machines from different quarters in the state.

Hakima Al-Munabih "The center is keen on having books and stories that express the identity and heritage of Qatar"

 Hakima Al-Munabih, a program development specialist at Aman Center, said that the book distribution initiative found a great reaction and there are requests whether to host the machines or to participate in many cultural events such as the celebration of the International Book Day.

 The center is currently working on a plan to meet these requests.  the center was keen on the existence of Qatari books and Qatari stories that express the identity and heritage of Qatar to introduce children to their history and heritage in a simplified and interesting narrative style.

Fakhria Al-Tamimi "The Center was keen on making the most of the machines through the broadcasting campaigns and awareness flashes"

Fakhria Al-Tamimi, a program development specialist at Aman Center, said that the center is keen to make the most of the machines through broadcasting its campaigns and awareness flashes such as a "Don not touch me" campaign and films of cohesion and family tolerance through the machines Monitors, which contributes to spreading awareness and education of the vision, mission and goals of the center.

 The center made a contract with a specialized company to maintain the Machines 24/7, and will install glass rooms for the machines that will be distributed in public parks, adding that the service will be evaluated periodically to find out the views of children.

About Aman:

In 2013 By decision of H.H Shaikha Moza Bint Nasser, the Protection & Social Rehabilitation Center (AMAN) was established. The center looks after protection & rehabilitation for women and children who are victims of violence or break up , and reintegrating them in society