Amplifying Algerian Voices in Children's Publishing
Changing Global Narrative
Our Story
This story begins in my own family.
My uncle, Rabah Kiared, was pulled out of school as a child to support his family. Yet he never lost sight of the importance of education—not only for himself, but for future generations. As part of Algeria’s fight for independence, he embodied a belief that true liberation is not only political or economic—it is also cultural.
It is about the right to learn, to lead, and to define our future through our own voices. That belief stayed with me.
My grandmother, "Yemma l'Aziza"—dear mama—used to say that everything in the universe has its place—and that what is meant to be will always find its way back to where it belongs.
Growing up, my cousin Mohamed Kiared reinforced this sense of belonging in a different way. He saw possibilities others overlooked and celebrated my individuality, even in spaces where expectations for girls were not always expansive. He quietly challenged assumptions around identity and belonging.
These experiences shaped how I understand representation—and why it matters who gets to define it.
Why Dar Kiared
For over a decade, I worked in the charity and international development sectors, supporting community-led education initiatives.
I saw the power of local leadership to drive meaningful change.
I also saw how international grant-making systems, however well-intentioned, can overlook and, at times, silence the very voices they aim to support.
Dar Kiared was created from that understanding.
It brings that same perspective to children’s publishing—centering Algerian writers and illustrators, and creating space for stories rooted in lived experience.
Stories that move beyond stereotypes.
Stories that allow children to see themselves with depth, dignity, and imagination.
Founder
Wahiba Kiared is the Founder and CEO of Dar Kiared, an Algerian-led social enterprise working to amplify Algerian voices through children’s publishing and advance more authentic representation.
She brings over a decade of leadership experience across the charity and development sectors, including leading International Children’s Trust, a UK-based organisation supporting grassroots partners across low- and middle-income countries.
This work continues to inform her focus on who gets to shape narratives—across development systems and children’s publishing.
She holds an Executive MBA and has also completed a Public Leadership Credential from Harvard Kennedy School.
Looking ahead
Dar Kiared is building a new generation of Algerian children’s books—while contributing to a wider ecosystem that supports creators, expands access, and reshapes how Algerian stories are created, shared, and valued.
This is not only about publishing books.
It is about shifting who gets to tell stories—and how those stories are seen.
Dar Kiared is named in honour of the people and place that shaped this vision.
Dar Kiared’s website is currently being developed and will launch in autumn 2026.
For enquiries or collaborations: info@darkiared.org
