Switzerland
Baobab Books is committed to promoting an open society, respect towards people from different backgrounds and equal opportunities. Books are the focus of their work, as their educational and cultural contents imbue them with an ability second to none to impart social values in a differentiated way.
Hear from the people on the ground
Sonja Matheson
Executive Director and Editor Baobab Books
Popular children’s books often contain gender stereotypes and racist and sexist content. Migrants, people of colour, people with disabilities and the LGBTIA community are underrepresented. Baobab Books promotes access to topics of cultural diversity and supports identity formation. Teaching materials are developed for different school levels and workshops are offered. In some cases, these workshops are delivered by young adults from imagine, the self-organised youth project of terre des hommes schweiz. Work is also carried out in the education sector to raise awareness among professionals of more diverse literature.
The aim is for children and young people to use the medium of books to perceive and reflect on global connections and other realities in a differentiated way.
BuchBesuch visits to schools. Trained reading educators visit schools and libraries to give a lesson using a specially selected book. Children and young people gain insights into other lives and environments. The children are encouraged to reflect on differences, prejudices and respect.
In 2023, a total of 510 children, 289 young people and 68 teachers were reached through 38 book visits. In addition, over 8,000 pupils benefitted from the teaching materials provided. The service is aimed at primary and secondary schools, and is suitable for schools, libraries and project or reading weeks.
Baobab Books, based in Basel, was co-founded by terre des hommes schweiz in 1989. Today, Baobab Books is an independent, non-profit organisation that promotes diversity in children’s and young adult literature. terre des hommes schweiz has been a partner of Baobab Books since 2010.
The current project phase covers the years 2025–2026 with an annual budget of CHF 75,000.
terre des hommes schweiz
Kasernenhof 8
4058 Basel