Country: United States

Organization: The National Council of Arab Americans (NCA)

Idea: The main purpose of Al-Kitab Education Program is the promotion of education about Arabs and Arab-Americans on K- 12 academic levels and the interaction of members of the Arab-American Community with the educational system on K- 12 academic levels. Through the development of educational material, the direct involvement of children, parents and teachers, the program addresses the misrepresentation of Arab Americans.

How do you do it: Compile database of books about Arabs in K-12 schools & evaluate books; attend state & local district book fairs to promote books; Hold training seminars, conferences, & educational programs for educators & provide educational materials incl. Textbooks, references, bibliographies & educational aids; Assist in the development of school curricula on local & state levels that incorporate modern understanding of Arab & Arab-American societies, customs, religions, & history; Develop educational childrenýs board games with emphasis on the Arab World; Develop childrenýs books & encourage Arab-American authorship of childrenýs books in English; Provide information & seminars to parents on working with the school district & schools.

Innovation: At this critical time, where the preservation of civil society hinges on the level of awareness/education and degree of civic involvement, this program presents an important intervention in an area generally marginalized - the educational system It is also a concrete step in building a tangible relationship between the general educational system and Arab American parents. Additionally, with the lack of available resources which positively depict Arabs and the Arab- American Community and with the recent sharp rise in anti- Arab racism and hate crimes against Arabs in the United States, the need to foster an objective understanding and sensitivity towards Arab-Americans and Arab society has become critical in the educational arena.

Impact: Prevention of racism & fostering understanding must begin where formal education starts, in the school system. For educators to help develop a society which appreciates & cherishes diversity & diminishes the promotion of racism in a society at large, links between the Arab experience to other ethnic experiences in the US are critical at this time. Al-Kitab evaluations, resources & trainings provide the mechanism to foster this understanding & make the connections necessary to diminish the idea of the ýinvisible otherý. Allowing children to find positive books or curricula about their culture in their own school libraries/classrooms will build bridges between Arab- Americans & society as a whole, by promoting self- confidence & understanding.

Ethical Action: The effect of racism on children or the lesser level of being the ýinvisible otherý has been documented to cause the development of psychological problems, such as insecurities, as well as the educational and social problems. Racism also increases either the isolation of children or the denial of the same children of their ethnic and cultural heritage. By increasing awareness on Arabs & Arab Americans, Al Kitab enables students to feel empowered and build connections between various communities. When a child comes home from school having studied a book that promotes understanding on his/her culture, that child is more likely to grow up with a positive outlook on life, and in the long run such understanding will diminish hate and racism.

Replication: By providing the tools for educators and parents, various Al-Kitab Committees can be formed in localities throughout the US. They can then begin to cater the program and resources to suit their needs on a local level. Educators can also begin a process of evaluation of the program and its resources to assist in the further development of the program.

Sustainability: Through the direct participation of parents, children and educators, the Al-Kitab Educational program establishes continuity that will sustain itself. Through the formation of committees, resources, and a process by which to continue evaluations and development of material, parents and teachers will be able to expand on the program and reproduce material on their own. Essentially, the tool will be available for all to use, reuse, expand on and develop for the future. Thus, enabling community building, understanding and empowerment.

Position in the Ethics Mosaic of Solutions:

Factor: Otherness

Principle: Revealing common ideals, principles, and language