Sharjah: The need for refugee children to acquire knowledge and culture should be considered as a necessary right just as much as the need for shelter, food and water, Shaikha Budoor Bint Sultan Al Qasimi, founder and chairperson of Kalimat Foundation for Children’s Empowerment (KF), said during her visit to the Emirati-Jordanian Refugee Camp at Mrajeeb Al Fhood in Al Zarqa, Jordan.
“Acquiring knowledge through reading is one of the most important ways a child can secure for themselves a safer and more peaceful future. In the conditions that these children are living, reading is an act that helps them come to terms with their reality. The right books can help them shape the future of their country, as they will be inspired by the history of its civilisation. Children are tomorrow’s generation and they need to lead the revival of their nations,” said Shaikha Budoor.
Shaikha Budoor’s statement was made in the presence of Shaikh Sultan Bin Ahmad Al Qasimi, chairman of Sharjah Media Council, during the delegation’s visit to the Emirati-Jordanian Camp.
In line with the UAE’s ‘Year of Giving’ initiative, as declared by President His Highness Shaikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Kalimat Foundation distributed 1,000 books to the refugee children at the camp, as part of its ‘Libraries in Need’ programme.
“The role of books in refugee children’s lives is equivalent to the role of nations. It’s an integral responsibility where through books, children can expand their wisdom and imagination, to lead a life that is founded on love and peace. Through books, they can overcome life’s pains and create hopes and ambitions to live their dreams,” said Shaikha Budoor.
As part of the visit, KF organised a number of fun activities for the children.
During her visit, Shaikha Budoor read the story titled ‘Seller of Dreams’ to children.
Also present were Abdullah Al Mahrazi, director of the camp; Amani Al Ali, director of the Executive Office of Shaikha Budoor; Marwa Al Aqroubi, president of the UAE Board on Books for Young People; and Amnah Al Mazmi, manager of KF.
