Against the backdrop of a significant decline in reading habits among elementary school students in the Arab community, the “Students Reading by Listening” program was developed as an innovative, experiential, and accessible solution to promote language and emotional literacy. The program offers a diverse collection of dozens of Arabic-language audiobooks rich in educational and social values, encouraging critical thinking, imagination, and personal growth.
By incorporating listening in the classroom, guided discussions, and creative activities, the program helps instill core values such as acceptance of difference, tolerance, solidarity, giving, initiative, mutual respect, and personal responsibility – aiming to educate a young generation with social sensitivity, inclusion, and positive leadership.
The stories are available through the innovative ArabCast Books app, launched in a festive event at the Abu Dhabi International Book Fair in May 2024. The app serves as a child-, teacher-, and parent-friendly accessible platform, enabling an enjoyable listening-reading experience – anytime, anywhere.
The program targets elementary school students and is also tailored for those with print and learning disabilities – promoting educational equal opportunity.
By listening to stories – we spark conversation, build empathy, and shape a generation of thoughtful, leading young readers.