Kalimat Foundation distributed 1K books to refugee children

CAIRO – 29 May 2017: One thousand books have been distributed to refugee children by Sheikha Bodour Al-Qasimi, founder and chairperson of Kalimat foundation during her visit to the Jordanian-Emirati camp in Mrajeeb Al-Fhood district on Sunday.

The visit was in the presence of Sheikh Sultan bin Ahmed Al-Qasimi, chairman of Sharjah Media Council; Abdullah Ali Al-Makrazi, director of the Jordanian-Emirati Camp; Marwa Obaid Al-Aqroubi, chairman of the Board of Directors of the Emirates Council for Youth’s Books; Amna Al-Mazmi, director of Kalimat Foundation.

“Refugee children’s need for knowledge and culture is equal to their need for shelter, food and drink," said Al-Qasimi. She added that the book is considered their first and last resort to create a safer and more peaceful future. She counts reading under these difficult circumstances a constructive action, confirming their existence, and sketching the history of their country's civilization.

The book distribution in the camp came as part of the "Libraries in Need" program implemented by the foundation in order to build a peaceful and safe environment for children, and provide an atmosphere that supports the freedom of thought and creativity.

‘’The role of books in the lives of refugee children is equal to the role of nations," said Qasimi. She explained that books enable children to see a new world in which they live a more innocent life, enjoy love and peace. Books teach children to love and how to recognize the spirit of childhood inside their souls.

While meeting with the children, Qasimi read the story of “Ba’ea El-Ahlam” (The Dream seller.) Children were listening with passion and paid attention to every word. They started to imagine the colorful balloons, granting them hope in a better future.