Intellectual and social development of children in public libraries builds a healthy and creative society

According to the correspondent of the Iran Book News Agency (IBNA) in Sanandaj, Masoumeh Hassani Khonsar stated on Tuesday at the educational workshop “Children and Peace Education in Public Libraries,” organized by the General Directorate of Public Libraries with the presence of cultural managers, university professors, children’s authors, and social activists in Sanandaj: “Public libraries, as public cultural bases, play a significant role in promoting concepts such as peace, respect, friendship, and empathy, and can institutionalize these values among children from an early age.”

Referring to the special place of children in the public library network, she added: “Libraries, by holding targeted educational programs, workshops, storytelling sessions, and participatory activities, create an environment for children to learn interaction skills, dialogue, acceptance of differences, and peaceful coexistence; skills that ultimately lead to the creation of a healthy, safe, and creative society.”

The head of Sanandaj Public Libraries also presented successful experiences of the city, mentioning projects such as “Children’s Rights Education,” “Child Readers,” and “Peace Ambassadors,” stating: “These projects were implemented with the aim of transferring moral and social concepts in a joyful and creative format and have been welcomed by families and children.”

Jabbar Tahmasbi, emphasizing the role of parents, educators, and librarians in strengthening skills of dialogue, participation, and tolerance among children, introduced a collection of books on peace and social education available to families in the province’s public libraries.

The Director General of Women and Family Affairs of Kurdistan Governorate also highlighted the fundamental role of the family in nurturing a peace-loving spirit in the new generation, stating: “Peace education begins in the family, and parents are the first role models for respect, constructive dialogue, and acceptance of differences.”

Leila Azhir added: “Public libraries can expand this culture by implementing family-centered programs,” and announced that the General Directorate of Women’s Affairs will cooperate with public libraries in holding joint cultural courses and programs.

Furthermore, the head of the Kurdistan Lawyers Association and a faculty member of Islamic Azad University, explaining the position of children’s rights in international documents and domestic laws, stated: “Peace education is not just a cultural necessity but a human right for every child, and children must grow up in a safe, equal, and violence-free environment.”

Omid Rashidi suggested that simplified concepts of children’s rights and principles of peace be prepared in the form of illustrated books and group activities for different age groups and be taught in public libraries.

The workshop concluded with a Q&A session with attendees, a summary of discussions, and the awarding of completion certificates to participants.