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'Every child has to have access to books'

Sharjah - Shaikha Bodour announced the launch of the new foundation during a reading session organised by Kalimat Group.

Coinciding with World Book Day, Kalimat Foundation for Children's Empowerment, a non-profit organisation dedicated to providing books and reading materials to children in underprivileged and conflict areas, was launched by Shaikha Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi, founder and CEO of Kalimat Group, on Friday.
Shaikha Bodour announced the launch of the new foundation during a reading session organised by Kalimat Group at the eighth edition of Sharjah Children's Reading Festival which runs until April 30 at the Sharjah Expo Centre.
"We believe in the role of books in raising hope in children who live under difficult conditions. Our Foundation will provide them with all forms of support as part of an initiative to empower children with all the necessary means that enable them to bring about required positive changes in their personal environments and in the world. We hope that the Foundation will contribute to shaping a better present and brighter future for all children across the globe," said Shaikha Al Qasimi.
The Kalimat Foundation will be run by a Board of Trustees chaired by Shaikha Al Qasimi, with Shaikha Jamila bint Mohammed Al Qasimi, Director-General of the Sharjah City for Humanitarian Services, as vice-president. Isobel Abulhoul, Director of the Emirate Airline Festival of Literature, will serve as secretary-general; Abdul Majid Jafar, CEO of Crescent Petroleum, as treasurer and Lana Z. Nusseibeh, permanent representative of the UAE to the United Nations, as board member.
Shaikha Bodour said Kalimat Foundation stems from her strong belief in children's right to have access to books and to obtain knowledge so as to be able to develop themselves. She noted there are many children living under harsh conditions who are deprived from pursuing their education, as they have no access to sources of knowledge.
She underlined that Kalimat Foundation's mission is not limited to 'lighting candles that illuminate the way for children,' but is instead a practical initiative that will provide in-need youngsters with books, ensuring that they have access to education and knowledge.
The foundation will deliver reading material that contributes to building their capabilities, developing their talents and enhancing their cognitive abilities so they are equipped to overcome their challenges now and in the future.
The Kalimat Foundation will also strive to facilitate the access of books, public libraries, refugee camps and areas with a high population density. All the programmes offered by the Kalimat Foundation are in line with international conventions and regulations on children and human rights, including Article 17 of the Convention on the Rights of the Child. The foundation also adheres to Article 24 of the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with special needs, which promotes creativity development and discovering the talents of people with physical, emotional and mental challenges so that they can become effective contributors to the societies in which they live.
reporters@khaleejtimes.com