Our Values
In a world of diversity, one characterized by constant change and migration, the Baobab Children's Book Fund is committed to activities that will both promote respect for people of other backgrounds or beliefs and equal opportunities throughout the global community. Our work focuses on the book, which as an educational and cultural medium is particularly well-suited for conveying differences and nuances in social values.Our Goals
Our symbol is the impressive baobab, a tree in the heart of many African villages, embraced by legends. People gather in its shadow to fabricate stories and pass on traditions to the next generation . . .In its publications and projects, the Baobab Children's Book Fund seeks a multifaceted representation of cultural identity in literature for children and young adults, stories and images that encourage dialog and reflection about cultural concepts, prejudices and social marginalization.
Our Activities
We provide a range of activities in German-speaking areas and through international collaborations. Our publications and events are not only directed at young people but also to adults, teachers, librarians and other educators.Baobab Series
In the "Baobab Series”, the Baobab Children's Book Fund brings out picture books, stories for children and novels for young adults from Asia, Africa, Latin America and the Middle East, translated into German. The books are published by the NordSüd Verlag.«Fremde Welten» (Other Worlds)
This brochure recommends books for children and young adults in German that convey the plurality of global values and treat the differences between people from different cultures with respect. It is a valuable aid for teachers, adults and librarians.Projects to promote intercultural dialog
We participate in various projects that promote the dialog between people of different cultures. Since 2004, for example, we have been running the project "Mondomedia — Open Libraries" to promote intercultural activities in libraries.We also regularly organize reading tours for "Baobab Series" authors to facilitate encounters between the older and younger members of different cultural groups.
Schools and education
We run further education workshops and seminars for specialists, teams and students on the topic of intercultural literature for young people. Our staff are also available on request to give lectures or talks at meetings and conferences. This website provides comprehensive teaching materials on selected books in the «Baobab Series» for use in the classroom.Networking and documentation
The Baobab Children's Book Fund is the only organization in German-speaking countries that specializes on the subjects of cultural identity in literature for children and young adults. We maintain a large network of contacts and foster cooperation with national and international partner organizations and organizers.Our library holdings encompass a wide range of literature for children and young adults, both in German and other languages. These may be consulted upon request.
Our Staff
Sonja Matheson, Director, and editor «Reihe Baobab» (Baobab Series)
Cyrilla Gadient, Project Leader «Fremde Welten,» and website editor
Esther Krais, Assistant
Many voluntary staff support our work in the «Fremde Welten» reading groups and other projects.
Cyrilla Gadient, Project Leader «Fremde Welten,» and website editor
Esther Krais, Assistant
Many voluntary staff support our work in the «Fremde Welten» reading groups and other projects.
- Sonja Matheson
- Cyrilla Gadient
- Esther Krais
