Kalimat brings visually impaired children at par with their peers
In celebration of World Braille Day, Kalimat Foundation — a Sharjah based non-profit organisation that provides vulnerable and visually disabled children access to reading material — proudly organised an engaging and impactful programme of activities dedicated to advancing accessibility and inclusion for children who are blind or visually impaired and was hosted in collaboration with Racks Café at their Aljada branch.
Marking the launch of a pioneering initiative to make board games more accessible, this partnership has introduced a collection of games featuring braille writing and tactile textures that will be available as a more permanent feature at the Café.
In the spirit of accessibility, a specially curated braille menu has also been implemented during the workshop, allowing children to make personal choices for food and refreshments, and again showing the importance of independence and self-confidence.
In an inspiring demonstration of unity and awareness, this initiative aims to bring together children who are blind, visually impaired, and sighted, exemplifying community as well as the foundation's mission to promote independence and lifelong learning, ensuring that no child is left behind.
World Braille Day, celebrated annually on January 4, honours the legacy of Louis Braille, whose revolutionary tactile writing system has empowered millions worldwide.
With approximately 285 million individuals living with major visual impairments globally, including 39 million who are completely blind, braille remains a cornerstone of literacy and empowerment. However, access to braille education is still limited, underscoring the urgent need for advocacy and expanded resources.
Kalimat Foundation's advocacy emphasises the importance of braille as a gateway to education and opportunity, ensuring visually impaired children can achieve their full potential alongside their sighted peers.
Commenting on the successful event, Amna Al Mazmi, Director of Kalimat Foundation stated, 'World Braille Day allows us to reflect on the essential role braille literacy plays in crafting inclusive societies, and we envision a world where every child has the opportunity to read, learn, and thrive, no matter their abilities. Our collaboration with Racks Café serves as an inspiration, encouraging other facilities, coffee shops, and community spaces to prioritise accessibility for visually impaired individuals. We urge everyone to follow suit and contribute to creating a more inclusive environment.'
An environment of joy, equality and camaraderie
A highlight of the day's event featured an engaging reading session led by renowned storyteller Samia Ayesh, whose inspiring and entertaining narratives brought themes of achievement and inclusion to life for both blind and sighted children. Throughout the day children actively participated in a selection of accessible board games designed with braille instructions, creating an environment of joy, equality and camaraderie.
Kalimat Foundation and Racks Cafe also announced that this selection of games will be expanded in future to cater to more interests and age groups.
A dedicated braille awareness corner showcased braille typewriters and informative displays about Arabic braille, parting important and interesting information to the community in Aljada. An interactive bookmark-making activity also proved to be a great success, introducing all participants to the fundamentals of braille literacy.
This collaboration with Racks Café also highlighted the important role businesses can play in creating an inclusive society, and by prioritising accessibility in their offerings, establishments can cultivate a culture of community and understanding.
Kalimat Foundation continues to lead in driving meaningful change through its initiatives aimed at creating inclusive educational opportunities.
Through its combined efforts, the foundation has distributed over 30,000 accessible books and 162 portable libraries, each containing 100 Arabic language books across 31 countries and reached more than 168,000 children in 144 underserved communities.
These impactful programmes, including the 'Ara' (I See) initiative and the 'Pledge a Library' initiative, reflect the foundation's unwavering dedication to transforming lives. For more information and to support Kalimat Foundation's incredible initiatives, visit https://kalimatfoundation.ae/.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Sharjah 24
12-05-2025
- Sharjah 24
Sharjah Ruler opens Al Zubarah, Shis heritage areas
Features of Al Zubarah His Highness toured Al Zubarah area, which includes the main mosque, a guest house, and the governor's house, along with four houses featuring storerooms and rooms with sloped roofs for heavy rainfall. Several houses will serve as centers for artisans, representing marine and agricultural environments, along with a cultural heritage house, a restoration house, and a honey house. Activities and restoration His Highness listened to a briefing on activities organised in the area to revive traditional crafts such as weaving, sewing, incense-making, and more. His Highness the Ruler of Sharjah was informed about the restoration work that began its first phase in 2023, which included the rehabilitation of all the buildings. His Highness also listened to an explanation about the second phase of the project, which involves restoration operations for an ancient settlement adjacent to the mountain. This phase aims to study the historical depth of the area and to revitalize it in a model manner, in addition to preserving 11 wells that have been cleaned and covered using traditional methods, along with providing aesthetic lighting and preparing parking for visitors to ensure the comfort of those visiting the area. His Highness also visited the Senior Emirates Lounge located on Al Zubarah Beach, which features an outdoor council overlooking the sea. This lounge serves as a recreational space for senior citizens and a gathering place that provides all forms of care, support, and attention. Additionally, it includes service facilities such as restrooms, parking spaces, designated swimming areas, and the necessary swimming and rescue equipment. Shis heritage project His Highness the Ruler of Sharjah then moved to the Shis area, where he unveiled the commemorative plaque for the Shis Heritage Project. This project includes a theater with a stone backdrop, a stage, and backstage areas, as well as a celebration plaza that can accommodate more than 200 visitors. It also features specialised halls showcasing the heritage of the Shis area, the possessions of its residents, and models of traditional houses and councils. Community engagement Folk groups performed to reflect the area's history and heritage, expressing gratitude for His Highness's support in developing the region and providing essential services. Additional facilities His Highness also visited the Shis Library and Café, which showcases stories and books in an innovative design, offering comfortable seating with stunning views of Shais mountains. His Highness was accompanied during the opening by Eng. Yousef Khamis Mohammed Al Othmani, Chairman of the Sharjah Roads and Transport Authority; Abdullah Ibrahim Al Zaabi, Chairman of the Sharjah Department of Human Resources; Dr Abdulaziz Al Musallam, Chairman of the Sharjah Institute for Heritage; Mohammed Obaid Al Zaabi, Head of the Protocol and Hospitality Department; along with several officials and dignitaries from the area.
Sharjah 24
20-04-2025
- Sharjah 24
KF brings its humanitarian message to Morocco with 600 books
Official visit to Moulay Ali Cherif Primary School in Rabat The Foundation's programme culminated in an official visit to Moulay Ali Cherif Primary School in Rabat, led by Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi, Founder and Chairperson of Kalimat Foundation. She was received by the school's director, ElMostafa Bouarda, who briefed her on the school's educational efforts and accompanied her on a tour of the classrooms along with other members of the delegation. During the visit, Sheikha Bodour held an interactive reading session with students, sharing excerpts from her book House of Wisdom, which highlights the legacy of knowledge and Arab civilisation. As part of the Foundation's vision to nurture a lifelong connection with reading, she gifted each child a personal copy of the book—planting a seed for curiosity and intellectual growth. The school was also gifted a portable library of 100 Arabic-language children's books, reinforcing Kalimat Foundation's commitment to making knowledge more accessible to young learners. The event was attended by a number of prominent Emirati and Moroccan figures in the cultural and educational sectors, including H.E. Sheikh Fahim Al Qasimi, Chairman of the Department of Government Relations in Sharjah and Board Member of Kalimat Foundation; H.E. Ahmed bin Rakkad Al Ameri, CEO of the Sharjah Book Authority and Board Member of Kalimat Foundation; Abdellah Sghir, Regional Director at the Moroccan Ministry of National Education in Salé; Rachida Roki, President of the Association Reading Network in Morocco; Yasmine Kouikbi, representative of the Moroccan Council for Children's Books; as well as education leaders and representatives of partner organisations. Commenting on the initiatives, Sheikha Bodour Al Qasimi, Founder and Chairperson of Kalimat Foundation, said: 'We are not simply providing children with books; we are offering them tools to dream and a window onto a broader world of possibilities. In Morocco, we brought with us Sharjah's belief that every child has non-negotiable rights: the right to read, to question, and to explore. These initiatives reflect our mission to build communities that view investment in children as an investment in the future. In every book we shared, and every interactive reading session we hosted, our message remained clear: knowledge is a basic right of every child, and reading makes a real difference in both individual lives and entire communities.' Field visit and library upgrade at ASSAS Association in Ifrane Kalimat Foundation also carried out a field visit to the ASSAS Association in Ifrane, where it donated a Portable library of 100 Arabic-language books. The visit included a reading session of Famous by Accident , published by Kalimat Group, followed by a hands-on creative workshop where children designed costumes based on the book's characters. In addition to donating books, the Foundation supported the renovation and upgrade of the association's library and provided ten digital tablets to enhance the learning environment with interactive tools and promote sustainable education. These initiatives were made possible through proceeds from the sale of products designed in collaboration with Emirati artist Mohammed Al Mansoori, Kalimat Foundation's Creative Ambassador, with a portion of the proceeds allocated to fund the 'Pledge a Library' programme in Morocco. Two more Portable libraries and 200 books for young reading champions The Foundation also donated two additional Portable libraries—one to the Walja Al Sultan School Group and another to the Al Tanmiya School Group—each containing 100 Arabic books. Additionally, 200 books were presented to children awarded by the Moroccan Reading Network in recognition of their commitment to reading. These gifts aimed to reward their passion, expand their cultural horizons, and nurture their intellectual growth. Rachida Roky, President of the Association Reading Network in Morocco, expressed her appreciation for the initiative, saying: 'What Kalimat Foundation has brought to Morocco goes beyond book donations. It establishes a living relationship between children and knowledge through interactive experiences that enrich reading and connect it to everyday life. These initiatives serve as a model of collaborative Arab cultural action and reflect a genuine commitment to making reading a right for all—not a privilege for a few.' A strategic and humanitarian vision for child empowerment Kalimat Foundation's work in Morocco is part of its broader mission to ensure children—particularly those affected by economic hardship, remote geographies, or humanitarian crises—have access to knowledge. Since its inception, the Foundation has distributed thousands of books and implemented impactful initiatives across dozens of countries, placing literacy and reading at the heart of its development and humanitarian goals.
Gulf Today
19-03-2025
- Gulf Today
Kalimat empowers Gazan children in Abu Dhabi with 400 books
As part of its efforts to empower underprivileged children and uphold their right to read, and in line with UAE 'Reading Month,' Kalimat Foundation, a UAE-based non-profit organisation, has donated 400 Arabic-language books to Palestinian children residing in Emirates Humanitarian City (EHC) in Abu Dhabi. This donation took place during a visit to the city, led by Sheikha Lubna Bint Khalid Al Qasimi, Former Minister and Vice President of Kalimat Foundation Board of Trustees, where she was hosted by Mubarak Falah Al Qahtani, the official spokesperson for Emirates Humanitarian City, in the presence of Amna Al Mazmi, Director of Kalimat Foundation, members of the foundation's team, and representatives from Multiply Group, the Abu Dhabi-based investment holding company that generously funded the donation. The donation falls under the 'Pledge a Library' initiative, which seeks to ensure children's access to knowledge and support their educational journey. As part of this initiative, portable libraries filled with a variety of books catering to different age groups were donated, alongside the organisation of engaging activities that included interactive workshops, recreational events, and cultural sessions. The visit welcomed 50 children aged 6 to 10, aiming to instil a love for reading and foster their intellectual and cultural development. The visit welcomed 50 children aged 6 to 10, aiming to instil a love for reading and foster their intellectual and cultural development. This initiative reflects Kalimat Foundation's commitment to ensuring children have access to books and the opportunity to continue their educational and cultural development, particularly in environments that require special support. It also reinforces Emirates Humanitarian City's role as a comprehensive humanitarian model, providing a fully integrated living environment for displaced individuals from crisis and conflict zones worldwide, while addressing their educational, cultural, medical, and recreational needs. 300 books for the school and 100 books for the nursery As part of the donation, two portable libraries were gifted to the school at Emirates Humanitarian City, containing 200 Arabic-language books, along with a portable library for the nursery, which includes 100 Arabic books. Additionally, 100 extra books were gifted directly to children who participated in an interactive reading session led by journalist and children's book author Samia Ayish, who took them on a journey through the book 'Aashat Al-Sheen', published by Kalimat Group. The visit also included a generous contribution from Sahar Wahbeh, creative designer and founder of 'Dumyé', who gifted the nursery children handmade customised dolls, and conducted a doll-making workshop for the schoolchildren, providing them with an opportunity to unleash their creativity, nurture their sensory skills, and enhance their ability to communicate and innovate within an engaging educational environment. A comprehensive vision for empowering children and youth Commenting on the initiative, Amna Al Mazmi, Director of Kalimat Foundation, reaffirmed the foundation's commitment to supporting Palestinian children affected by the war on Gaza. She said: 'At Kalimat Foundation, we take pride in contributing to the UAE's vision, which places education and knowledge at the heart of its development efforts, believing that building human capacity is the cornerstone of building societies. Providing access to education for underprivileged children is not merely a humanitarian duty but an investment in a brighter future. We firmly believe that every child has the right to access knowledge and cultural resources, no matter the challenges they face.' 'We are proud to collaborate with institutions that share our vision, as these partnerships amplify the impact of our initiatives and embody the values of solidarity and cooperation that define the UAE. Through the 'Pledge a Library' initiative, we seek to empower children in their educational and cultural journey, planting seeds of hope in their hearts so they grow up with a passion for knowledge and the ability to create positive change in their communities and the world around them,' she added. Best investment Samia Bouazza, Group CEO and Managing Director of Multiply Group, said: 'At the core of Multiply Group's ethos is a culture of knowledge sharing and lifelong learning. We believe that the best investment is in one's education, and we are committed to increasing access to the tools that enable individuals to unlock their full potential. Last year, we launched our 'Read to Lead' CSR programme, pledging to deliver thousands of books to communities across the Middle East. This year, we continue with our commitment by partnering with Kalimat Foundation on their 'Pledge a Library' initiative, to make knowledge more accessible and nurture a growth mindset across communities.' Emirates Humanitarian City's efforts in supporting Palestinians In turn, Mubarak Falah Al Qahtani, Official Spokesperson for Emirates Humanitarian City, said: "In line with the directives of the wise leadership, Emirates Humanitarian City has welcomed hundreds of injured children, cancer patients, and their accompanying family members from Gaza. The city, in collaboration with healthcare authorities in Abu Dhabi, is dedicated to providing the necessary medical treatment while also ensuring comprehensive physical and psychological care. This initiative reflects the UAE's unwavering commitment to supporting the Palestinian people during this critical humanitarian crisis." Al Qahtani further emphasised that Kalimat Foundation's contribution of children's libraries plays a vital role in enriching the living environment within the city by offering a culturally and educationally stimulating experience for Palestinian children. This initiative not only fosters intellectual and emotional well-being but also ensures the continuity of their education, enabling them to pursue learning despite the challenges they face. This latest contribution builds upon Kalimat Foundation's long-standing commitment to supporting Palestinian children, and previously, the foundation has made notable efforts through its Ara Initiative, providing accessible books for blind and visually impaired children within Palestine. Furthermore, the foundation's 'Stitching Hope for Gaza' merchandise line, launched in April 2024, has demonstrated ongoing support, with all proceeds dedicated to the 'Tarahum for Gaza' campaign. These efforts collectively underscore Kalimat Foundation's dedication to empowering children affected by conflict and disability, fostering education, and preserving cultural identity in deeply challenging circumstances.
