PROJECT #621: Promoting Book Reading, Anjoman Doostdaran Koodak Pouyesh – Tehran, 2024

The Pooyesh Children’s Support Association has been active since 2008 in villages on the outskirts of Tehran, with a strong focus on the continuous promotion of a reading culture—particularly improving access to high-quality books. With the aim of supporting vulnerable children, including child laborers, waste pickers, and children who have dropped out of school, the association has implemented reading programs combined with creative and educational activities.

Key achievements of the project:

• Improving general literacy: Pooyesh’s permanent libraries have contributed to enhancing literacy and learning among children across different age groups.
• Increasing access to educational resources: Providing a diverse collection of books and educational materials for children.
• Promoting a culture of reading: Organizing workshops and group reading sessions to strengthen children’s interest in reading.

As part of this project, a new library was established in the village of Eslamabad, and two existing libraries were upgraded. As a result, approximately 456 children benefited from library services and read-aloud programs, spending their summer leisure time in a safe and purposeful environment.