Reflecting Kalimat Foundation’s (KF) commitment to fostering creativity and instilling
a love for reading among children, Sheikha Bodour Al Qasimi, Founder and
Chairperson of KF, attended an art workshop at Sharjah Children’s Reading Festival
(SCRF) 2023.
The workshop, organized by the foundation and led by its first ambassador, Emirati
artist Mohammed Al Mansoori, provided children a unique opportunity to unleash
their imagination and creativity, by painting on small bookcases in the shape of
Pledge a Library’s portable libraries, and understand the core mission of the
initiative, which aims to provide books to under-resourced and forcibly displaced
Arab children worldwide, ensuring their fundamental right to read and access books.
Sheikha Bodour Al Qasimi engaged with the children who participated in the
workshop and joined their activity, who on their part enthusiastically expressed their
joy to share their drawings, creativity, and love for art and reading.
Inclusive Reading Sessions and Workshops: Embracing “Ara” Initiative’s
Message
As part of its SCRF 2023 programme, KF also hosted a series of inclusive
workshops that brought together visually impaired children with their peers to
experience the joys of storytelling sessions, and broadening their knowledge through
inspirational stories and meaningful narratives. The workshops were hosted under
‘Ara’ initiative which was launched in 2017 with the aim to enhance literacy skills
among children with visual disability.
The main reading workshop was held in collaboration with the House of Wisdom and
the Emirates Schools Establishment, and featured a story titled ‘A Paper Traveler’,
published by Kalimat Group. The storytelling session, led by Haitham Shoukry,
Founder of “Al-Hakawati” initiative, focused on instilling values of perseverance,
determination, and willpower in children, aiming to draw children’s attention to
respecting the environment, teaching them about the value of recycling and
sustainability practices. Children then participated in a workshop where they had the
opportunity to create their own candy machine, drawing inspiration from the story.
Amna Al Mazmi, Director of Kalimat Foundation, said: “The foundation is adamant
about achieving its vision and goals of empowering children through reading and
safeguarding child’s right to access sources of knowledge to broaden their horizons,
and reach their potential while nurturing a new generation that values knowledge and
meaningful connections.”
The inclusive workshops were organized by the KF in its endeavors to activate the
MoUs signed with local entities, including a partnership with House of Wisdom,
reflecting the Marrakesh Treaty authorization.
During its participation in SCRF 2023, Kalimat Foundation also launched 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 under-
resourced and refugee children by ensuring their right to read and access quality
books and sources of knowledge.