Arab Conference Showcases Kan Yama Kan Initiative To Empower Children Through Access To Books

Marwa Al Aqroubi, President of the UAE Board on Books for Young People, recently attended the 36th Arab Federation for Libraries and Information Conference in Qatar. The event focused on "Digital Justice and Arab Information Institutions," aiming to enhance partnerships, sustainability, and digital transformation. Al Aqroubi's participation highlighted the role of cultural initiatives in promoting equal access to knowledge and addressing the digital divide in vulnerable areas.

The session attracted numerous experts and researchers from the Arab world. They engaged with a detailed presentation on the "Kan Yama Kan" project. This initiative empowers children in conflict-affected regions by providing them with books. The presentation emphasized reading as a fundamental right that supports children's psychological and cognitive development, aligning with themes of digital inclusion and knowledge equity.

Al Aqroubi introduced the UAE Board on Books for Young People, emphasizing its commitment to supporting the Arab children's book industry. She explained that their humanitarian efforts are rooted in the belief that knowledge should be accessible to all, regardless of location or circumstances. The "Kan Yama Kan" initiative was launched to deliver quality books to children deprived of educational resources due to war or displacement.

In 2014, "The Big Heart Library" was established at a refugee camp in UAE-Jordan. This library provided a safe space for reading and helped create a small community focused on knowledge amidst challenging conditions. Al Aqroubi discussed how this initiative initially collected over 3,000 books, with further contributions from institutions and individuals across the UAE.

The initiative also offered therapeutic reading experiences through 44 hours of training for children. This effort led to forming the first Emirati team specializing in this field. An Arabic guide issued by the Board includes 365 titles addressing over 40 psychological and social issues. These efforts serve as a model for integrating knowledge-based solutions with humanitarian needs.

Al Aqroubi highlighted silent books' significance in multilingual settings. The Board hosted several International Silent Book Exhibitions to showcase these books' ability to overcome language barriers through visual content, aiding children in expressing emotions and understanding their environment.

Expanding Reach Through Donations

The initiative successfully gathered 50,000 books via donation boxes placed in public libraries and Sharjah's House of Wisdom. Over 17,500 books were distributed across Jordan, Lebanon, Morocco, India, Greece, and other regions. Field visits were made to Egypt, India, and Morocco to support damaged libraries in Beirut after the 2020 port explosion.

Al Aqroubi concluded by stating that "Kan Yama Kan" extends beyond book distribution; it aims to embed culture as a sustainable empowerment tool for future generations. The initiative's journey is documented through videos showing reading's impact on children's lives. In 2023, it expanded its support to Arab communities in South Korea.

With inputs from WAM