Join North Vancouver City Library for this four-session storytime series for Arabic-speaking families on the North Shore who would like to nurture their children’s connection to the Arabic language, culture, and sense of belonging.
This program is designed for parents and caregivers of children ages 3–6 (siblings and children of other ages are welcome) who are interested in Arabic storytime and informal, child-friendly social gatherings.
The focus is on creating a relaxed, inclusive, and supportive environment where children can hear Arabic, enjoy stories, play together, and develop pride in their cultural heritage. There is no formal instruction or pressure—just language, connection, and community.
Families speaking all Arabic dialects, as well as multilingual households, are welcome.
This is a drop-in program; however, space is limited and participation is on a first-come, first-served basis.
More information. Questions? Contact info@nvcl.ca or 604-998-3450.
With special thanks to the community members who proposed and are hosting this Library Small Grants program:
Muna Zaidalkilani: Mental Health Professional, Community Leader, and Advocate for Connection and Belonging
Muna is a community builder who is passionate about strengthening families, fostering belonging, and helping children develop a positive connection to their language, culture, and identity. Through more than a decade of work in newcomer settlement, anti-violence services, mental health, and family support, she has seen firsthand how strong communities help children and families thrive.
Suzanna Chang: Communications Professional, Parent, and Community Volunteer
Suzanna is a corporate communications professional, parent, and community volunteer who is passionate about fostering cross-cultural understanding through language, storytelling, and community connection.
Ghada Kilani: Certified Early Childhood Educator with Infant/Toddler and Special Needs Specialization (ECE IT/SN)
Ghada is a tech-professional-turned-ECE who is deeply passionate about early childhood development and community support. After becoming a mother, she discovered a new passion for creating rich, innovative environments where children can flourish while parents and families feel supported in prioritizing their own health and wellbeing.
انضموا إلينا في هذه السلسلة المكوّنة من أربع جلسات للقراءة القصصية، والمخصّصة للعائلات الناطقة بالعربية في الساحل الشمالي (North Shore) الراغبة في تعزيز ارتباط أطفالها باللغة العربية والثقافة العربية والشعور بالانتماء.
صُمّم هذا البرنامج للآباء والأمهات ومقدّمي الرعاية للأطفال من عمر 3 إلى 6 سنوات (مع الترحيب بالأشقاء والأطفال من مختلف الأعمار)، ممّن يهتمّون بالقراءة القصصية باللغة العربية واللقاءات الاجتماعية الودّية المناسبة للأطفال.
يركّز البرنامج على توفير بيئة مريحة وشاملة وداعمة، حيث يمكن للأطفال الاستماع إلى اللغة العربية، والاستمتاع بالقصص، واللعب معاً، وتنمية الاعتزاز بتراثهم الثقافي. لا يتضمّن البرنامج أي تعليم رسمي أو ضغوط؛ بل يوفّر مساحة للغة والتواصل وبناء الروابط المجتمعية.
نرحّب بالعائلات من جميع اللهجات العربية، وكذلك بالأسر متعدّدة اللغات.
البرنامج متاح بنظام الحضور المباشر دون تسجيل مسبق، إلا أن عدد الأماكن محدود، وسيتم قبول المشاركين بحسب أسبقية الحضور.