Sheikha Bodour wants every needy Arab child to have access to books

Gulf Today, Staff Reporter

“Fostering a culture of reading and knowledge is imperative for all societies. In a rapidly evolving world, change waits for no one, and therefore, it has become an absolute necessity to encourage reading and promote knowledge” Sheikha Bodour Al Qasimi, Founder and Chairperson of Kalimat Foundation (KF), a Sharjah-based global non-profit, affirmed during the foundation’s launch event of a new product line carrying the designs of Emirati artist Mohammed Al Mansoori. The partnership aims to support the ‘Pledge a Library’ initiative, which empowers underprivileged and refugee children by ensuring their access to quality books and sources of knowledge, particularly in Arabic language.

The launch event, which took place during the KF's participation at the 14th Sharjah Children's Reading Festival (SCRF), also saw an MoU signing ceremony attended by Sheikha Bodour Al Qasimi and Fuad Mansoor Sharaf, Managing Director of the UAE Shopping Malls at Majid Al Futtaim Properties, to showcase the new product line and promote KF initiatives.

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Supporting disadvantaged children through the new product line

The ‘Pledge a Library’ initiative seeks to provide libraries, each containing 100 books, as part of KF's commitment to promoting the values of Arabic language and culture among under-resourced and forcibly displaced children.

To date, the initiative has reached more than 23 countries, distributed 146 libraries, and spread joy to more than 100,000 Arab children around the world. Artist Al Mansoori contributed one of his artworks to create the design of the new merchandise line, whose proceeds will be dedicated to support Pledge a Library’s mission and uphold the children’s right to read and access books.

KF will feature Al Mansoori's signature products on its website and at various events and outlets. Through this partnership, KF aims to promote the role of art and creativity as a means of positive change and social impact both within and outside of the UAE.

Sheikha Bodour, artist Mohammed Al Mansoori and Amna Al Mazmi during the event.

Al Mansoori also becomes KF's first ambassador in its charitable journey towards empowering children, instilling a love of reading and a passion for knowledge in the hearts of disadvantaged youth and children.

Majid Al Futtaim contributes to the foundation’s efforts

Under the terms of the newly signed agreement, Majid Al Futtaim has committed to promote KF's initiatives and display its products in its shopping malls locally, as well as  facilitating collaborations with shopping centers outside the UAE to raise public awareness about its efforts.

Community development and children empowerment through knowledge

Sheikha Bodour, Fuad Mansoor Sharaf, Mohammed Al Mansoori, and Amna Al Mazmi.

Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi, Chairperson of Kalimat Foundation (KF), stated: “Kalimat Foundation was born out of a powerful vision, one that recognizes the transformative power of books and the life-changing impact it can have on a child's future. Our mission is to ensure that every under-resourced Arab child worldwide has access to books, securing their right to reading, and empowering them to dream, imagine, and envision a brighter future than their current reality.”

“With a powerful mission to ensure that every child has access to books, the Kalimat Foundation has recognized the criticality and significance of its work in collaboration with numerous local and international organizations. Our aspirations have now grown to reach thousands of disadvantaged, refugee, and visually impaired children, and we are committed to forging robust partnerships with individuals and organizations to achieve our goals.

Our endeavor to provide the gift of reading to children and adolescents across the Arab world and beyond is an unwavering mission and we will continue to collaborate with various partners to realize this, towards shaping a better future together.” she remarked.

Fuad Mansoor Sharaf, Managing Director of the UAE Shopping Malls at Majid Al Futtaim Properties said: "It is our pleasure to collaborate with Kalimat Foundation and lend our support to its noble humanitarian efforts to provide disadvantaged children with access to Arabic language resources.

Majid Al Futtaim’s shopping malls across the United Arab Emirates will display the foundation's merchandise, as we strive to make a positive impact on society. This partnership reflects our steadfast commitment to corporate social responsibility and aligns with our overarching philosophy and vision of creating great moments for everyone, everyday.”

"Each product sold will help support this noble cause and will be a radical turning point in the life of a child somewhere in our world who can become an ambitious and active member contributing to the development of their community. I am honoured to collaborate with Kalimat Foundation to support this humanitarian cause. I hope my artistic works displayed in the new product line will convey a message of hope and inspire people to support the Pledge a Library initiative,” said Emirati artist Mohammed Al Mansoori.

The collaboration between KF and Al Mansoori, a prominent visual artist in the UAE known for three decades of work focused on natural materials and pioneering land art, marks the first time the foundation has partnered with a local artist to create innovative and unique products that reflect the foundation's creative and humanitarian vision.

The artist's captivating inscriptions, bold lines, and intricate abstract forms embellish an array of KF products, including tote bags, notebooks, cups, flasks, t-shirts, hoodies, and more. Those who wish to learn more about the Kalimat Foundation and support its initiatives can visit the following website: https://kalimatfoundation.ae/support-us/merchandise, where they purchase products to support its ‘Pledge a Library’ and ‘Ara’ initiatives.