Etiquette Lessons for Children Through the Tales of ‘Babu

Etiquette Lessons for Children Through the Tales of ‘Babu
By: Ethar Hamdy , Akhbar Elyom

Heba El-Zahed, who grew up and lived between Egypt and Denmark, navigating multiple European and Arab cultures, never imagined that her interest—which sparked inside a public relations training hall—would turn into a cultural and educational project addressing children worldwide. Between traveling and encountering different cultures, she found her passion in etiquette, viewing it as more than just rules of conduct. She saw it as a universal human language that can help children understand themselves and the world around them. Thus, Heba launched the idea of “Babu Around the World” to offer children a unique experience that combines adventure, knowledge, and human values in an enjoyable storytelling format.

Heba recounts that her connection with etiquette began during her public relations studies, then deepened when she traveled to Switzerland to study etiquette and protocol academically. Although her initial goal was to improve her professional performance while working in the oil and gas sector, she later found herself giving workshops and training courses for individuals, companies, and hotels. This made her realize the importance of passing these skills on to younger generations.

From here came the idea of “Babu Around the World.” After years of working, traveling, and interacting with diverse cultures, she believed that children need to learn the values of respect, kindness, self-confidence, and understanding others from an early age, but in a way that suits their world—relying on stories and adventures rather than direct advice.

She emphasizes that the series does not solely aim to teach children traditional etiquette rules; rather, it seeks to introduce them to different cultures and encourage them to respect diversity and be open to the world. Therefore, she chose a small monkey named “Babu” to be the hero of the stories, inspired by the baboon associated with the ancient Egyptian god “Thoth,” the symbol of wisdom.

“Babu” appears in the series as a curious friend who loves to travel, ask questions, and discover different peoples and customs. He takes children on journeys filled with situations through which they learn manners, respect, and communication with others in a natural and enjoyable way.

Heba points out that the most beautiful thing distinguishing Babu is that he is not a superhero, but rather a curious little child who loves to learn, ask questions, and discover the world, just as children do. Furthermore, drawing inspiration for the character from ancient Egyptian civilization gives it a cultural dimension that reflects Egypt’s historical status as a beacon of science and knowledge. Paris was the first stop on Babu’s travels.

The first book in the series was published alongside an interactive activity book that goes beyond just coloring. It includes questions, drawings, and activities that help children absorb the values and messages presented in the story through play and discovery.

The first phase of the project consists of 8 books, taking children on tours through France, Denmark, the United Kingdom, Egypt, Qatar, Ghana, Japan, and the United States of America. Through these trips, young readers learn about the customs of different nations and acquire important skills such as greeting others, listening well, respecting people, expressing opinions politely, and building self-confidence in various social situations.

Heba El-Zahed believes that true etiquette is not a rigid set of rules, but rather a universal language based on respect, appreciation, and good manners. These are the values she seeks to instill in children through “Babu Around the World,” so they can grow up more self-aware, more open to others, and prouder of their identity and culture.

Concluding her journey with “Babu Around the World,” Heba El-Zahed asserts that her goal is not to produce children who memorize etiquette rules by heart, but rather children who possess a curiosity to learn, self-confidence, respect for differences, openness to the world, and pride in their roots and identity. For her, the most beautiful journey a child can embark on is the journey of discovering the world, while simultaneously discovering themselves.

Source: Akhbar Elyom
Article Link: Here