THESSALONIKI, Greece—Sheikha Bodour Al Qasimi, Founder and Chairperson of the Kalimat Foundation and a champion of youth development, has led a book donation visit to the Thessaloniki Central Library in Greece to improve children’s access to literacy and reading under the Kalimat Foundation’s ‘Pledge a Library’ initiative.
The visit witnessed the attendance of HE Dr Ali Obaid Al Dhaheri, UAE Ambassador to the Hellenic Republic, Ahmed bin Rakkad Al Ameri, CEO of the Sharjah Book Authority, and board member of Kalimat Foundation, and Vassilis Gakis, Thessaloniki Deputy Mayor of Culture.
The visit was part of the foundation’s participation at the Thessaloniki International Book Fair, where Sharjah was the official Guest of Honour. Through this donation, the initiative has provided the Greek institution with a compact library containing 100 Arabic language books to enrich the reading and learning experiences of disadvantaged young Arab children in Greece.
Sheikha Bodour highlighted the strategic significance of the initiative, stating, “Through the impactful donations via the ‘Pledge a Library’ initiative, including our second major contribution to communities within the Hellenic Republic (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”.
“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, write their own stories of resilience, and forge a brighter tomorrow for themselves and their communities,” she added.
Book signing of World Book Capital by Sheikha Bodour
This generous gesture was accompanied by a reading session led by Sheikha Bodour, who read from her book World Book Capital and signed complimentary copies for the participating children. The session was followed by a workshop inspired by the book and attended by Arab children who are part of “ARSIS – Association for the Social Support of Youth”.
Providing Arabic literature to those in need
A second donation of a compact library was made to ARSIS, a non-governmental organisation in Thessaloniki that specialises in the social support of youth who are in difficulty or danger and the advocacy of their rights. The organisation hosts both Arab families and unaccompanied children, and these donations through the “Pledge a Library” initiative will greatly enhance the literary and knowledge resources available to these children, giving them direct access to material in their language.
Nurturing the boundless potential of young minds
Amna Al Mazmi, Director of Kalimat Foundation, concurred, affirming, “Kalimat Foundation reflects the efforts of Sharjah and its leadership 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 the crucial role of collaborative efforts with like-minded entities across the globe to empower communities through the liberating power of literacy, connecting them to their cultural heritage and forging a sense of belongingness to their homelands.”
Raising awareness and supporting those in need
During the four-day event, Kalimat Foundation advocated its noble mission. It promoted its flagship “Pledge a Library” initiative, which has made a massive difference in the lives of over 16,700 children across 24 countries. Visitors could also contribute to the cause by purchasing various products featured in the initiative’s unique merchandise line, designed in collaboration with renowned contemporary Emirati artist Mohamed Al Mansoori.
