Ouargla, November 25, 2024 – The 6th edition of the International Festival of Books, Literature, and Poetry kicked off today at the main public library “Moudjahid Mohamed Tidjani” in Ouargla. This year’s event centers on the theme: “The Reality of Children’s Literature and the Challenges of the Digital Age.”
The festival features discussions on the wide reach of digital media and the associated risks for children. Cultural figures, authors, and experts gathered to explore how digital tools influence children’s literature and their potential impact on nurturing young minds.
Governmental Efforts to Support Children’s Literature
In his address, Tamaa Tidjani, representing the Ministry of Culture and Arts, highlighted Algeria’s commitment to promoting children’s literature. He emphasized that public institutions are working tirelessly to craft educational and cultural programs that align with the digital advancements shaping contemporary society. These programs aim to protect children’s rights while offering meaningful engagement in the digital era.
Insights on Children’s Literature in Conflict Zones
The festival also included an international perspective. Egyptian scholar Abdo Mohamed Zaki El-Zorraa presented a lecture titled “Palestinian Children’s Literature: From Uprising to War,” which shed light on the sacrifices of Palestinian children in Gaza. He praised their contributions to resistance literature, which reflects their resilience against oppression and captures their spirit in poetic and literary works.
Similarly, Tunisian academic Dr. Ridha Al-Abyad from the University of Gabès called for revamping children’s books in Arab countries. He stressed the need for modern, visually engaging formats, such as illustrated and digital books, to captivate younger readers and adapt to contemporary tastes.
Panels and Workshops on the Digital Era’s Impact
Held under the slogan “Writing for Children to Build the Future,” the festival features various discussions led by writers and poets from Algeria and abroad. Topics include:
- “Internet Risks to Children’s Literature and Culture”
- “The Complexity of Storytelling as a Child-Directed Narrative”
- “The Digital Environment: Its Role in Shaping Arab Children’s Cultural Identity”
- “Leveraging Artificial Intelligence in Children’s Literature: Current Realities and Future Directions.”
According to festival organizer Eid Jellouli, this edition introduces a new competition for writing children’s stories, a recommendation from last year’s participants. The initiative aims to inspire creativity among young writers and encourage literary innovation.
Rich Cultural Activities and International Participation
The festival, hosted at “Moudjahid Mohamed Tidjani” Library and “Moufdi Zakaria” Cultural Center, spans four days and includes an array of activities such as reading and poetry-writing workshops, theatrical performances, and evening poetry recitals.
An international book exhibition under the theme “Through Knowledge We Rise, and Through Books We Flourish” is also being held. Featuring 70 publishing houses from across Algeria, the event is organized by the Ministry of Culture and Arts in collaboration with the Algerian Agency for Cultural Outreach.
For additional updates on this vibrant cultural event, visit DZWATCH.DZ.
Author: Nor-Eleslam
Challenges of children’s literature in the digital era
