Donating a mobile library for children at the Dr. Abdul Rahman Fneish Foundation and providing accessible books for more than 170 blind and visually impaired students

Bodour Al Qasimi: Reading is a fundamental right for every child, and knowledge is an empowering tool that gives hope and broadens future horizons.

Rabat, Kingdom of Morocco – Her Highness Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi, Founder and Chairperson of the Kalimat Foundation and UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador for Education and Book Culture, witnessed a series of cultural and humanitarian initiatives organized by the Foundation in the Moroccan capital, Rabat, in celebration of Rabat being chosen as the World Book Capital for 2026 by UNESCO. These initiatives support children and enhance their opportunities to access knowledge and learning, within the framework of cultural and humanitarian cooperation that consolidates shared values and promotes investment in people and knowledge.

The visit included the “Adopt a Library” initiative of the Dr. Abdul Rahman Fannich Foundation at the Children’s Hospital in Rabat, where the “Kalimat Foundation” donated a mobile library containing Arabic books for children, in addition to organizing reading and cultural activities aimed at strengthening their relationship with books and enriching their experience within the therapeutic environment.

The visit also included the "I See" initiative at the Alawite Organization for the Care of the Blind, which provides comprehensive and accessible books that have benefited more than 170 blind and visually impaired students of various ages. These publications are designed to allow blind and sighted children to have a shared reading experience, combining printed text, Braille, and tactile illustrations, thus supporting inclusive learning, enhancing integration opportunities, and contributing to the development of their cognitive abilities.

These initiatives fall within the Kalimat Foundation's mission to solidify children's right to read and expand access to knowledge through high-quality programs that meet their needs and support their educational and personal development. The visit also reflects the shared commitment of the United Arab Emirates and the Kingdom of Morocco to empowering future generations and supporting impactful cultural and humanitarian initiatives.

Reading as a human right

Speaking about the importance of the Kalimat Foundation’s initiatives in Morocco, Her Highness Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi said: “Children’s access to books is a fundamental right that should be available to every child, regardless of their circumstances. Knowledge is an empowering tool that gives hope, broadens future horizons, opens up wider spaces for understanding and imagination for children, and enhances their ability to overcome challenges with confidence.”

Her Highness added: “These initiatives in Morocco are an extension of Sharjah’s cultural and humanitarian vision, which believes that knowledge is a bridge for communication between peoples and a tool to promote human rapprochement. They also reflect the depth of the fraternal relations between the United Arab Emirates and the Kingdom of Morocco, and what unites them in their common interest in investing in people and empowering new generations, through cultural initiatives that contribute to consolidating the values of learning and enhancing the presence of reading in children’s lives.”

A profound human vision

For her part, Ms. Naila Fneish, President of the Dr. Abdul Rahman Fneish Foundation, said: “These initiatives reflect a profound humanitarian vision led by Her Highness Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi, in making culture and knowledge part of the support system directed towards humanity, especially in circumstances where the child is in dire need of hope and care.”

She added: “Integrating books into therapeutic environments is a qualitative step that contributes to supporting the psychological recovery of children, and gives them space to imagine and connect with the world outside their health challenges. We value this cooperation with Kalimat Foundation, which presents an advanced model that links culture and humanitarian work, and confirms that investing in reading is an investment in humanity and its future.”

Achieving cognitive justice

For his part, Dr. Salah Eddine Smar, Secretary General of the Alawite Organization for the Care of the Blind, said: “Providing books adapted for blind and visually impaired children is a fundamental step towards achieving cognitive equity and enabling them to learn and be independent. Making knowledge available in these formats opens up broader horizons for their participation in society and enhances their self-confidence and ability to express themselves, within a more inclusive and sustainable educational environment.”

He added: “This collaboration with Kalimat Foundation embodies an integrated vision that reflects the pioneering role of the Emirate of Sharjah in supporting cultural and humanitarian initiatives that place humanity at the heart of their priorities.”

The "Adopt a Library" initiative at the Dr. Abdel Rahman Fenich Foundation at the Children's Hospital in Rabat

Her Highness was received at the Dr. Abdel Rahman Fenich Foundation at the Children’s Hospital in Rabat by His Excellency Mohamed Mehdi Bensaid, Minister of Youth, Culture and Communication, Her Excellency Fatiha El Moudni, Mayor of Rabat, His Excellency Charaf Ahmimed, Director of the UNESCO Office for the Maghreb, Mrs. Naila Fenich, President of the Dr. Abdel Rahman Fenich Foundation, Mr. Raouf Mohsen, Director General of the Ibn Sina University Hospital Center in Rabat, Mrs. Amina Barakat, Director General of the Children’s Hospital, along with Mrs. Karima Achour, Vice President of the Dr. Abdel Rahman Fenich Foundation.

The program included the opening of the mobile book museum at the Dr. Abdul Rahman Fneish Foundation, a musical performance by children from the foundation's music program, and an interactive storytelling session by Moroccan artist Amal Ayouch. Her Highness Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi also presented copies of her book, "World Book Capital," to the children and posed for group photos with them and other attendees.

"I See" Initiative at the Alawite Organization for the Care of the Blind

Upon her arrival at the Alawite Organization for the Care of the Blind, Her Highness Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi was received by Her Highness Princess Lalla Lamia Al Solh, President of the Alawite Organization for the Care of the Blind, along with Dr. Salah Al Din Al Smar, and a number of officials and cultural and educational figures.

The visit included an introductory presentation about the organization’s services and programs, a cultural segment presented by blind students, as well as a tour of the classrooms and an overview of the educational and rehabilitation programs offered to students.

Words Foundation and Continuous Global Impact

Kalimat Foundation is a non-profit organization based in the Emirate of Sharjah. It was founded in 2016 at the initiative of Her Highness Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi, and aims to ensure children’s right to read and access sources of knowledge and learning.

The foundation operates through two main initiatives. The first, "Adopt a Library," provides mobile libraries to underprivileged and refugee communities, having distributed over 200 libraries benefiting more than 100,000 children in 27 countries worldwide. The second initiative, "I See," focuses on producing accessible books in Braille, large print, and audio formats for blind and visually impaired children, and has provided more than 30,000 books to date.

Dr. Abdul Rahman Fneish Foundation

The Dr. Abdel Rahman Fannich Foundation is a Moroccan non-profit organization with a humanitarian and cultural focus. Established in 2018, it commemorates the legacy of the late Dr. Abdel Rahman Fannich, who combined medicine, art, and research, and contributed significantly to enriching the Moroccan musical landscape and preserving its heritage. The Foundation develops impactful cultural, artistic, and educational initiatives, with a particular focus on supporting children, especially in healthcare settings, through programs that aim to provide psychological relief, instill hope, and foster their creativity.

The Alawite Organization for the Care of the Blind
The Alawite Organization for the Care of the Blind in Morocco is considered one of the leading humanitarian and social institutions in the field of supporting and empowering blind and visually impaired individuals. Founded in 1967 at the initiative of the late King Hassan II, it operates under the patronage of His Majesty King Mohammed VI. The organization plays a pivotal role in providing educational and training services, promoting social and professional integration, and defending the rights of this group, thereby reinforcing the principle of equal opportunities.

Through a wide network of specialized institutes and centers, the organization continues to support thousands of beneficiaries and implement sustainable solidarity programs and initiatives, making it a national pillar in humanitarian work aimed at empowering the blind and integrating them into society.

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