Aman Center launches “My book is my friend" initiative

Protection and Social Rehabilitation Centre (AMAN), the initiative is a vending machine for children's books and stories at subsidized (non-profit), The aim of this initiative is educating and encouraging the child, to read and acquire books, and 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,

The Device locations

The device will be located in the most vital areas of children's gathering in the state of Qatar, such as Malls, Cinemas, Parks, children's clinics and the Airport.

The Initiative Background:

Aman Center launched the initiative at Al shafallah center, it was attended by HE Mr. Salah bin Ghanim Al Ali, Culture and Sports Minister, and HE Mrs. Amal Bint Abdul Latif Al Mannai, CEO of Qatar Foundation for Social Work.

Mansour Al-Saadi - More than 500 Thousand books had been distributed.

In this context, Mr. Mansour Al-Saadi, Executive Director of Aman Center, said: "This initiative contributes in achieving the first goal of Aman Center to contribute in educating and awareness of the child, especially in light of the challenges that our children face from violent electronic games." I am so proud of the enthusiasm of the organizations supporting the success of the initiative, in which we were keen on taking into consideration the customs & traditions of the Qatari Society, where the selected books were subjected to careful review by professors and specialists to ensure that the books appropriate to the children to make sure that it is suitable to customs & traditions of the Qatari Society.

He confirmed that since we had launched the initiative on the occasion of the World children's Day and the installation of the Machines in Doha international Exhibition we were able to distribute 20,000 books. Up to now we distributed 50,000 books. And we found a great turnout either from children or their parents, especially with the presence of exciting and encouraging gifts for children.

He added that the Aman Center has found a great response from those who hastened to request hosting the device, 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, especially with the existence of books suitable for the children's age and culture.

Amina Al Mahmoud "The device is suitable for people with disabilities".

Amna Al Mahmoud, Head of Software installation & Design at Aman Center, said that the center was keen to diversify the existing books by means of contracting with different publishing houses. The books were also selected according to the age classification of children. The devices were installed so that they could be used by the disabled in an easy and convenient manner suitable to their level of disability. she added that the center is in the process of contracting with a new set of devices to meet the increasing demand for hosting the devices from different quarters in the State.

Mrs. Hakima Al Munabeh said that center is keen on having books and stories that express the identity and heritage of Qatar

Mrs. Hakima Al Munabeh,  a program development specialist at Aman Center, said that the book distribution initiative found a good echo and there are requests whether to host the devices or 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. On the existence of books and country stories that express the identity and heritage of Qatar to introduce children to their history and heritage in a simplified and interesting narrative style.

Mrs. Fakhria Al- Tamimi "The Center was keen to make the most of the devices through the radio campaigns and flash awareness"

Mrs. Fakhria Al-Tamimi, a program development specialist at Aman Center, said that the center is keen to make the most of the devices through broadcasting its campaigns and awareness flashes such as "Do not touch Me" campaign and films of cohesion and family tolerance through the screens installed in the device, which contributes to spread awareness and education of the vision, mission and goals of the center. The center has contracted with a specialized company to maintain the devices around the clock and the creation of glass rooms for the devices 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 the decision of H.H Shaikha Moza Bint Nasser, the Protection & Social Rehabilitation Center (AMAN) was established. The center looks after protection & rehabilitation of women and children who are victims of violence and reintegrating them in society.​​​​​​​​​