Sharjah Media Council adopts 5 libraries for Arab children

The Sharjah Media Council, SMC, has adopted five libraries for Arab children in disadvantaged communities as part of the "Adopt a Library" project launched by the Kalimat Foundation for Children's Empowerment, coinciding with World Book Day.

The move stems from the SMC’s objectives of consolidating the concept of social responsibility, activating the council’s humanitarian programmes, as well as disseminating knowledge and culture.

Sharjah-based Kalimat Foundation seeks to implement its "Adopt a Library" project by providing as many books as required to revive libraries among disadvantaged communities or those with growing number of Arab children.

Sheikh Sultan bin Ahmed Al Qasimi, Chairman of the Sharjah Media Council and Humanitarian Envoy of Big Heart Foundation, said the charitable initiatives of the council, implemented under the directives of H.H. Dr. Sheikh Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, are targeted at various segments of the society.

He underscored the importance of the "Adopt a Library" initiative, which complements several other key programmes launched by the Kalimat Foundation for Children's Empowerment, targeting Arab children and translating Sharjah's approach in supporting the disadvantaged children and meeting all their psychological, physical and cognitive needs.

Sheikh Sultan expressed his deep appreciation of all entities that have taken part in the initiative, which reflects their spirit of social responsibility. He emphasised that the dissemination of knowledge among the less fortunate Arab children around the world is the duty of all, as it helps to create a conscious and educated generation aware of its history, religion, traditions and mother tongue. The Chairman of the SMC asserted that the initiative would help alleviate the pain of disadvantaged children and assist them in adapting to their new societies.

He hoped that the initiative would continue to spread the Arab culture among children who have been driven away from their mother tongue and culture by their harsh circumstances. He called on all organisations and individuals to respond to humanitarian initiatives targeting Arab children to help raise them into responsible adults who would help construct their societies, not destroy them.

Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi, Founder and Chairperson of Kalimat Foundation for Children’s Empowerment, hailed the SMC’s support for the "Adopt a Library" project. She said the council has always been at the forefront in highlighting Sharjah’s humanitarian projects and participating in initiatives and campaigns organised by institutions in the emirate in support of communities at the cultural, social, health and educational levels.

She asserted that the Foundation realises the importance of reading books in the process of raising future generations and considers it one of their basic rights. The Foundation, therefore, works to facilitate the access of children in disadvantaged and affected areas, including refugee camps, to this activity.