Local publishers look to enhance the reading skills of Egyptian youth – in their native tongue More language schools are popping up across Cairo, helping to better equip young adults for international university standards and a global job market. But there are drawbacks to the spread of English and French fluency. What will happen to literary Arabic among the nation’s most educated? Many children committing long hours to learning second languages are lacking strength reading and writing in their native language.

With selection of new Arabic literature designed specifically to meet the needs of these children, there is hope yet. In recent months, select publishers have introduced a number of books and Arabic learning systems specifically designed to appeal to concerned parents and children predominantly exposed to foreign material. Believe it or not, these Arabic educational books, workbooks and letter systems are designed and produced largely in Egypt.

In these next-generation materials, parents will marvel over perfectly fitting pop-out cards, wonderfully illustrated stories and spill-proof pages. Best of all, parents who feel their children are losing their grip on Arabic grammar will find an array of great tools to strengthen their kids’ native language.

Thanks to a handful of visionaries, Egypt’s book market is seeing a variety of children’s books and educational systems that can easily compete with foreign productions in content, look and general appeal.

Publishers that have grappled with the process of producing effective and motivational children’s educational tools and books in Egypt include Abjad and Dar el Shorouk.“Our belief is simple; quality products equal real enjoyment, and interaction equals real educational benefit,” explains Justin Mostafa Majzub, founder of Abjad.

In previous years, Arabic children’s books were scares and poorly executed. They possessed little appeal. While content is important, the whole package and the educational value are major factors in sparking interest among readers. Many parents chose to purchase foreign educational products over local ones, submitting to overpricing.

An influx of technology available in Egypt and the persistence of publishers to push for higher quality has resulted in a growing array of children’s books – both educational and entertaining – that are produced locally to meet and hopefully exceed the benchmark set by foreign products. Companies such as Abjad are even getting in on the export game by offering purchases online and overseas shipping.

For more information, log onto www.abjad.com or www.shorouk.com Daina Moussa.