Comics can be more than just entertainment, they can open the door to a lifelong love of reading. This idea was at the heart of a conference titled Comics for Children, held on October 3, 2025, as part of the Algiers International Comics Festival (FIBDA), which runs until October 5 at the Riadh El Feth esplanade.
During the session, the founders of Ghomaïda magazine showcased their initiative designed to encourage children to read through comics, games, and stories inspired by their everyday lives. « Our goal is to nurture a new generation of readers who discover the pleasure of reading through comics », said Hanane Benmediouni, one of the speakers. She noted that 6,000 copies of the magazine have already been printed, and that the 16ᵗʰ issue will be released during the Algiers International Book Fair (SILA) in November.
According to Benmediouni, the project has experienced steady growth: « So far, we haven’t encountered any major obstacles, and we’ve sold over 100,000 copies ». The magazine is currently published three to four times a year, depending on the team’s financial resources. For her, comics are « the easiest way for children to learn, they can follow the story through the illustrations alone. It grabs their attention and makes learning, even academic subjects, more engaging ».
She also addressed the creative challenges of writing for young audiences. « Many people believe writing for children is simple, but it’s actually quite complex. You need to craft stories that are engaging, gentle yet meaningful, and convey messages indirectly. That’s the essence of Ghomaïda, and it’s not an easy task », she explained.
Benmediouni emphasized the importance of staying rooted in Algerian identity: « We want to reflect our heritage, traditions, and religion, so that children can see themselves in the characters and the magazine ». One of their most beloved creations is Marwa, a character who has resonated deeply with young readers. « Her popularity encouraged us to create a full album based on her daily life, and we’re planning more titles to introduce new characters », she added.
Co-founder Nadjet Belabes highlighted the participatory spirit behind Ghomaïda. « The name reflects our desire to bring children together », she said. « We built our own distribution network and manage everything ourselves to maintain high quality, from printing to circulation. Quality is expensive, but it’s essential to our vision ».
Belabes also noted the magazine’s outreach efforts: « Throughout the year, we organize educational workshops to promote reading and the magazine among children. Even those who aren’t initially interested in reading end up engaging with the stories or activities, which sparks their curiosity and appetite for learning ».