Culture can also be a matter for children. The stand set up by the Italian Embassy in Qatar at the International Book Fair opening in Doha tomorrow is entirely dedicated to children.
The booth, one of the largest in the fair, was created in partnership with “Reggio Children” – an organization promoting and educating on children’s rights known worldwide for its teaching methods – has a dense agenda of workshops, exhibitions, readings and interactive courses.
Compatibly with the provisions of Health Authorities, the Italian booth’s principal aim is to offer young children an opportunity to get acquainted with reading, providing them with the possibility of learning through books, illustrations and activities – all Made in Italy. This is why the booth will propose a selection of books written by Italian authors or published by Italian publishing companies, to be consulted freely. In addition, the agenda also includes children’s activities, free of charge and authorised by the local Health Authorities.
One of the most awaited events is the presentation of the Arab version of two books by Gianni Rodari: “La torta in cielo” and “Fiabe lunghe un sorriso”. Rodari’s admirers will also be offered the possibility of visiting the “Illustrations by Gianni Rodari” exhibition: a selection of images made by 21 artists within the framework of the Bologna Children’s Book Fair, which is being displayed in Qatar for the first time.
And this is not all. The booth will also host the exhibition titled “Out of silence. Yesterday, today, tomorrow, narrating through wordless books”, 41 wordless books created by Italian authors experimenting with a new narrative form.
From reading to painting. The hosts will include Enrica Pizzicori, an artist specialised in illustrating children’s books and the author of the logo of the Italian booth, who is scheduled to hold digital painting sessions at the fair.
“We are particularly proud of our booth – said Italian Ambassador Alessandro Prunas – it is the first time we participate in an institutional event in 2022 and we decided to dedicate it to our little ones who, perhaps more than adults, are going through difficult times.” He added: “For Italy as for Qatar, education and promoting children’s potentials and rights is a priority, now more than ever. This is why we have wanted to create an event wholly dedicated to them. An event at which, starting tomorrow, 22 January, everybody will find a stimulus and – why not? – also some comfort from these hard times.”
