My name is Shereen Kriedieh and I am the President of Lebanese Chapter of International Board on Books for Young People (LBBY).

In times of war or crisis, humanitarian organisations typically focus on providing food, shelter, and hygiene essentials. While these are critical, psychosocial support and education are often deprioritised. This oversight can have long-term consequences, as children are left to navigate trauma without adequate emotional or psychological support.  

So when the war broke out in our country we refocused on this unseen crisis. We launched the Children in Crisis project and trained over 180 volunteers in how to use books to support children displaced by the war. We gave them packs which included Arabic books and Book Aid International donated books in English, as well as basic art materials which they used to support children in their communities.

Here is where NGOs that promote reading and distribute books also played a crucial role. By equipping volunteers with books and materials, these organisations helped support the mental and emotional well-being of children.  

Books have always been a source of knowledge, inspiration, and solace. During times of conflict, they take on an even greater role, serving as a form of psychological refuge and a means of healing. Bibliotherapy, the use of books as a therapeutic tool, was an essential component in helping children understand and process their experiences during the war.  

Books provided children with an escape from their immediate surroundings. Through literature, they could travel to new worlds, immerse themselves in different realities, and temporarily distance themselves from the stresses of conflict. This imaginative journey was not mere entertainment; it offered a powerful coping mechanism.  

Reading also allowed children to see that the emotions and problems they were experiencing were not unique to them. This sense of universality—that others have felt similar fear, sadness, or uncertainty—helped normalise their emotions and reduce feelings of isolation. 

Furthermore, books created opportunities for children to engage in shared experiences. Reading sessions, storytelling circles, and discussions fostered a sense of community – children interacted with others who had faced similar hardships. This social interaction was inherently therapeutic, as it reinforced the idea that they are not alone. Recreational activities that accompany reading, such as drawing or dramatization, further enhanced these therapeutic benefits, allowing children to externalise their fears and anxieties in a safe and structured environment. 

Volunteers played a vital role in this process, and books provided them with the tools they needed to engage with children effectively. A well-curated selection of books, along with supplementary materials like crayons and papers, empowered volunteers to create meaningful experiences for the children they worked with. The impact of this method was profound, enabling organisations to reach a significant number of children in a short period.

The combination of trained volunteers, diverse reading materials and structured activities created a holistic approach to healing. 

Trust and flexibility were key factors in reaching as many children as possible. When organisations demonstrated adaptability, they were able to respond more efficiently to the evolving needs of children in crisis. Establishing trust within affected communities ensured that interventions were welcomed and supported. The rapid deployment of volunteers, facilitated by partnerships with educational institutions, further enhanced outreach efforts. Students of psychology, social work, and education, alongside experienced specialists, stepped in to provide invaluable support. Their dedication underscored the importance of local engagement in the healing process. 

Partnerships were also instrumental in the success of these initiatives. Organisations like Book Aid International and the IBBY Crisis Fund provided essential resources and support, enabling a broader reach and greater impact. Their contributions reinforced the importance of books as a fundamental component of post-conflict recovery.

The collaborative efforts of local communities, NGOs, and international organisations highlighted the collective commitment to rebuilding lives through the power of reading.

As part of our future donations, we aim to support schools affected by the conflict, ensuring that children have access to quality books. This will help them understand their own feelings, connect with others, and foster a love for reading.