Sheikha Bodour Al Qasimi Enhances Literacy With Kalimat Foundation's Donation In Greece

Sheikha Bodour Al Qasimi, Founder and Chairperson of Kalimat Foundation, led a book donation visit to the Thessaloniki Central Library in Greece. This initiative, under the Kalimat Foundation’s ‘Pledge a Library’ programme, aims to enhance children’s access to literacy. The event saw the participation of Dr. Ali Obaid Al Dhaheri, UAE Ambassador to Greece, Ahmed bin Rakkad Al Ameri, CEO of the Sharjah Book Authority, and Vassilis Gakis, Thessaloniki Deputy Mayor of Culture.

The visit coincided with the Thessaloniki International Book Fair, where Sharjah was the official Guest of Honour. The initiative provided the Greek institution with a compact library containing 100 Arabic language books. This effort aims to enrich the reading experiences of disadvantaged young Arab children in Greece.

Sheikha Bodour emphasised the strategic importance of the initiative. "Through impactful donations via ‘Pledge a Library’, including our second major contribution to communities in Greece since 2019, we are not only providing underprivileged children with access to knowledge but also igniting a spark that will enlighten their paths to a better future," she stated.

She added, "Our committed and ever-expanding global outreach continues to unlock the boundless potential within young minds, regardless of their circumstances. By cultivating a culture of learning and empathy, we are empowering these children to overcome adversity and forge a brighter tomorrow for themselves and their communities."

The donation was accompanied by a reading session led by Sheikha Bodour, who read from her book World Book Capital and signed complimentary copies for participating children. The session was followed by a workshop inspired by the book and attended by Arab children who are part of ARSIS - the Association for the Social Support of Youth.

A second donation of a compact library was made to ARSIS, an NGO in Thessaloniki specialising in social support for youth in difficulty or danger. The organisation hosts both Arab families and unaccompanied children. These donations through the ‘Pledge a Library’ initiative will enhance literary resources available to these children, giving them direct access to material in their own language.

Nurturing Young Minds

Amna Al Mazmi, Director of Kalimat Foundation, affirmed, "Kalimat Foundation reflects Sharjah's efforts in establishing a culture of knowledge and building bridges of intellectual communication. We believe every child deserves access to literature and learning. Our 'Pledge a Library' initiative reaffirms this commitment and emphasises collaborative efforts with like-minded entities globally."

Raising Awareness and Supporting Those in Need

During the four-day event, Kalimat Foundation promoted its ‘Pledge a Library’ initiative, which has impacted over 16,700 children across 24 countries. Visitors could contribute towards the cause by purchasing products from the initiative’s unique merchandise line designed in collaboration with contemporary Emirati artist Mohamed Al Mansoori.

With inputs from WAM