MISSION:

AL-BUSTAN SEEDS OF CULTURE is a non-profit organization dedicated to educating children and youth about the Arabic language and culture through structured exposure to the language, arts, architecture, music, dance, and natural environment of the Arab world. "Al-Bustan", Arabic for "The Garden", also strives to promote understanding and respect both within the diverse community of Arab-Americans and among children and youth of all ethnic, religious, and socio-economic backgrounds.

GOALS:

AL-BUSTAN SEEDS OF CULTURE has identified five main goals to pursue:

• supporting the Arab-American community's pursuit and affirmation of its cultural identity within American society
• exposing and educating children and youth, of Arab and non-Arab heritage, in the Philadelphia region and beyond, to the language and culture of the Arab world
• using a common language and cultural heritage to bring together the diverse community of Arab-American children and youth
• supporting the development of Arab-American youth leadership by empowering them with a deeper knowledge of their cultural heritage and history and creating opportunities for greater educational engagement and academic achievement
• making the Arab cultural arts, in all their diversity, accessible to a wide audience in an effort to promote cross-cultural awareness and exchange