In the south of Jordan, specifically in Aqaba Governorate, We Love Reading Ambassador Abeer Al-Nawaisa organized a read-aloud session for 400 students, both girls and boys. This session was part of a series of initiatives aimed at fostering a culture of reading in schools and the wider community.
Abeer is a teacher in Aqaba with extensive experience in both education and community work. She received an award from Queen Rania for Excellence in Education. In addition, she is a dedicated social activist who has participated in numerous community initiatives and spent six years working in the Child Protection Program at the Jordan River Foundation, an experience that deepened her understanding of children’s emotional and behavioral needs.
For this session, Abeer read “The Chef of Words”, a book developed by We Love Reading, which resonated deeply with the students as it addressed a sensitive issue many of them face: bullying. According to Abeer, the story’s impact was evident from the very beginning. The students were highly focused and engaged, following the events eagerly and anticipating the ending with curiosity and excitement.
Abeer also emphasized the professional and personal growth she gained through the program’s training. The training provided her with a clear methodology and a constructive approach to reading aloud, making her sessions more engaging, meaningful, and impactful for children. She adds: “Through the program, I learned how to read a story in an organized, calm, and imaginative way that resonates with children. They became more interactive and naturally absorbed the values within the story in a warm and thoughtful manner.”
Abeer affirms that the benefits of such sessions go far beyond cultivating a love of reading. They create a safe space for children to express their fears and challenges while helping to build positive, supportive relationships among students and between students and their teacher.