Kalimat empowers Gazan children in Abu Dhabi with 400 books
- 5 hours ago
Gulf Today, Staff Reporter
As part of its efforts to empower underprivileged children and uphold their right to read, and in line with UAE “Reading Month,” Kalimat Foundation, a UAE-based non-profit organisation, has donated 400 Arabic-language books to Palestinian children residing in Emirates Humanitarian City (EHC) in Abu Dhabi.
This donation took place during a visit to the city, led by Sheikha Lubna Bint Khalid Al Qasimi, Former Minister and Vice President of Kalimat Foundation Board of Trustees, where she was hosted by Mubarak Falah Al Qahtani, the official spokesperson for Emirates Humanitarian City, in the presence of Amna Al Mazmi, Director of Kalimat Foundation, members of the foundation’s team, and representatives from Multiply Group, the Abu Dhabi-based investment holding company that generously funded the donation.
The donation falls under the ‘Pledge a Library’ initiative, which seeks to ensure children’s access to knowledge and support their educational journey. As part of this initiative, portable libraries filled with a variety of books catering to different age groups were donated, alongside the organisation of engaging activities that included interactive workshops, recreational events, and cultural sessions.
The visit welcomed 50 children aged 6 to 10, aiming to instil a love for reading and foster their intellectual and cultural development.
This initiative reflects Kalimat Foundation’s commitment to ensuring children have access to books and the opportunity to continue their educational and cultural development, particularly in environments that require special support.
It also reinforces Emirates Humanitarian City’s role as a comprehensive humanitarian model, providing a fully integrated living environment for displaced individuals from crisis and conflict zones worldwide, while addressing their educational, cultural, medical, and recreational needs.
300 books for the school and 100 books for the nursery
As part of the donation, two portable libraries were gifted to the school at Emirates Humanitarian City, containing 200 Arabic-language books, along with a portable library for the nursery, which includes 100 Arabic books.
Additionally, 100 extra books were gifted directly to children who participated in an interactive reading session led by journalist and children's book author Samia Ayish, who took them on a journey through the book “Aashat Al-Sheen”, published by Kalimat Group.
The visit also included a generous contribution from Sahar Wahbeh, creative designer and founder of “Dumyé”, who gifted the nursery children handmade customised dolls, and conducted a doll-making workshop for the schoolchildren, providing them with an opportunity to unleash their creativity, nurture their sensory skills, and enhance their ability to communicate and innovate within an engaging educational environment.
A comprehensive vision for empowering children and youth
Commenting on the initiative, Amna Al Mazmi, Director of Kalimat Foundation, reaffirmed the foundation’s commitment to supporting Palestinian children affected by the war on Gaza. She said: “At Kalimat Foundation, we take pride in contributing to the UAE’s vision, which places education and knowledge at the heart of its development efforts, believing that building human capacity is the cornerstone of building societies. Providing access to education for underprivileged children is not merely a humanitarian duty but an investment in a brighter future. We firmly believe that every child has the right to access knowledge and cultural resources, no matter the challenges they face.”
“We are proud to collaborate with institutions that share our vision, as these partnerships amplify the impact of our initiatives and embody the values of solidarity and cooperation that define the UAE. Through the ‘Pledge a Library’ initiative, we seek to empower children in their educational and cultural journey, planting seeds of hope in their hearts so they grow up with a passion for knowledge and the ability to create positive change in their communities and the world around them,” she added.
Best investment
Samia Bouazza, Group CEO and Managing Director of Multiply Group, said: “At the core of Multiply Group's ethos is a culture of knowledge sharing and lifelong learning. We believe that the best investment is in one’s education, and we are committed to increasing access to the tools that enable individuals to unlock their full potential. Last year, we launched our ‘Read to Lead’ CSR programme, pledging to deliver thousands of books to communities across the Middle East. This year, we continue with our commitment by partnering with Kalimat Foundation on their ‘Pledge a Library’ initiative, to make knowledge more accessible and nurture a growth mindset across communities.”
Emirates Humanitarian City’s efforts in supporting Palestinians
In turn, Mubarak Falah Al Qahtani, Official Spokesperson for Emirates Humanitarian City, said: "In line with the directives of the wise leadership, Emirates Humanitarian City has welcomed hundreds of injured children, cancer patients, and their accompanying family members from Gaza. The city, in collaboration with healthcare authorities in Abu Dhabi, is dedicated to providing the necessary medical treatment while also ensuring comprehensive physical and psychological care. This initiative reflects the UAE’s unwavering commitment to supporting the Palestinian people during this critical humanitarian crisis."
Al Qahtani further emphasised that Kalimat Foundation’s contribution of children’s libraries plays a vital role in enriching the living environment within the city by offering a culturally and educationally stimulating experience for Palestinian children. This initiative not only fosters intellectual and emotional well-being but also ensures the continuity of their education, enabling them to pursue learning despite the challenges they face.
This latest contribution builds upon Kalimat Foundation’s long-standing commitment to supporting Palestinian children, and previously, the foundation has made notable efforts through its Ara Initiative, providing accessible books for blind and visually impaired children within Palestine.
Furthermore, the foundation’s “Stitching Hope for Gaza” merchandise line, launched in April 2024, has demonstrated ongoing support, with all proceeds dedicated to the “Tarahum for Gaza” campaign. These efforts collectively underscore Kalimat Foundation's dedication to empowering children affected by conflict and disability, fostering education, and preserving cultural identity in deeply challenging circumstances.
