Rabat: Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi, Founder and Chairperson of Kalimat Foundation, and UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador for Education and Book Culture, spearheaded a series of cultural and humanitarian initiatives in Rabat. These initiatives were organized by the Foundation in celebration of Rabat's designation as UNESCO World Book Capital 2026, with a focus on promoting children's reading and inclusive learning.
According to Emirates News Agency, the initiatives are designed to support children and expand access to learning, reflecting a shared commitment to advancing knowledge, inclusion, and human development through meaningful cultural engagement. The visit highlighted Kalimat Foundation's two flagship programmes. Under the 'Pledge a Library' initiative, the Foundation donated a Portable Library containing Arabic-language children's books to the Dr. Abderrahmane Fennich Foundation at The Children's Hospital of Rabat. This was accompanied by reading and cultural activities for young patients.
The Foundation also extended its 'ARA' initiative by providing inclusive and audio books to the Alaouite Organization for the Promotion of the Blind in Morocco (OAPAM), benefiting over 170 blind and visually impaired students. These accessible resources are designed to bring visually disabled and sighted children together through a shared reading experience, combining printed text, braille, and tactile illustrations.
These efforts are part of Kalimat Foundation's broader mission to champion every child's right to read and to broaden equal access to knowledge through programmes tailored to children's needs and long-term development. They also underscore the shared interest of the United Arab Emirates and the Kingdom of Morocco in empowering future generations and advancing cultural and humanitarian initiatives with lasting impact.
Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi emphasized that access to books is a fundamental right for every child, regardless of circumstance, and that knowledge is a powerful tool for empowerment. She stated that these initiatives in Morocco extend Sharjah's cultural and humanitarian vision, viewing knowledge as a bridge between peoples and a means of strengthening human connection.
Naila Fennich, President of the Dr. Abderrahmane Fennich Foundation, commented on these initiatives as a deeply rooted humanitarian vision led by Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi. She noted that integrating books into therapeutic environments supports children's psychological recovery and provides them with a space to imagine and connect beyond their health challenges.
Dr. Salaheddine Semmar, Secretary General of OAPAM, highlighted the importance of providing accessible books for blind and visually impaired children as a step towards achieving knowledge equity. He emphasized that making knowledge available in these formats opens wider opportunities for participation in society and strengthens their confidence.
During her visit, Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi was received by several dignitaries, including Mohamed Mehdi Bensaid, Minister of Youth, Culture and Communication, and Fatiha El Moudni, Mayor of Rabat. The programme included the opening of the Mobile Book Museum at the hospital, a musical performance by children enrolled in the Foundation's music programme, and an interactive storytelling session by Moroccan actress Amal Ayouch.
At OAPAM, Sheikha Bodour was welcomed by H.H. Princess Lalla Lamia Solh, President of OAPAM, and other cultural and educational figures. The visit featured an introductory presentation on the organisation's programmes and services, a cultural performance by visually impaired students, and a tour of educational facilities.
These initiatives by Kalimat Foundation demonstrate a commitment to enhancing cultural and educational opportunities for children, particularly those with special needs, and reinforce the importance of reading and learning as foundational elements for future success.