Kalimat Foundation (KF) has concluded its participation in the 15th Sharjah Children’s Reading Festival (SCRF 2024), marking the end of a 12-day event filled with engaging and fun learning experiences. The foundation’s stand was a hub for edutainment activities and workshops, part of its ‘ARA’ initiative aimed at empowering blind and visually impaired children and integrating them into society, and its ‘Stitching Hope for Gaza’ initiative, a recent effort by KF to support Gaza’s children.

‘Seeing Through Their Voices’ Training Program

During the 12-day cultural celebration, KF launched the ‘Seeing Through Their Voices’ training program to empower blind and visually impaired children and integrate them into society by developing their public speaking and communication skills. Under its ‘ARA’ initiative, the program was delivered by Focus Media Academy and in partnership with the Sharjah Broadcasting Authority, the Emirates Association of the Visually Impaired.

The training program, given by Ammar Shehab, Head of Trainers at Focus Media Academy, offered a unique opportunity for participants to become influential voices in society. It harnessed their exceptional abilities in speech, communication, presentation and their latent media potential. After completing the program, participants presented a television coverage on the Sharjah Broadcasting Authority’s “Atfalna W Elktab” (Our Children and the Book) program, affirming their active role in society.

‘ARA’ initiative takes children on a journey across the sea

KF’s stand also hosted an interactive storytelling session and a workshop as part of its ‘ARA’ initiative, and in collaboration with the Emirates Association of the Visually Impaired and Noura bin Hadda, Founder of the ‘La Vie Dolls’ project. Participating children were taken on a journey through the book ‘The Prince of the Seas,’ by Kalimat Group.

Following the session, the blind and visually impaired children engaged in a workshop designed to develop their skills and encourage them to create artistic pieces. The materials were tailored to their needs, creating a welcoming space that enabled the participants to express themselves and enrich their educational and creative experiences.

Stitching Hope for Gaza… Celebrating identity and heritage

As part of the ‘Stitching Hope for Gaza’ initiative, KF showcased its new merchandise collection inspired by the traditional Palestinian Keffiyeh and Tatreez, with all proceeds of this new line dedicated to supporting children in Gaza through the Emirates Red Crescent’s ‘Tarahum — For Gaza’ relief campaign.

The foundation also organised a special embroidery workshop in collaboration with the Palestinian embroidery expert Marwa Bakri. The workshop aimed to highlight the Palestinian cultural heritage and identity through teaching participating young adults the techniques of Palestinian embroidery.

Knowledge enriches children’s lives

Commenting on the participation in SCRF, Amna Al Mazmi, Director of KF, said: ‘We believe that knowledge is a vital pillar for fostering children’s personal growth, broadening their intellectual horizons, and unleashing their imagination. It is the bedrock that underpins our children’s future, empowering them to lead with creativity and drive unique innovations. SCRF serves as an ideal platform that we actively participate in to nurture this ethos. During our participation this year, we offered children, including those with visual impairments, opportunities to explore the world through books, stories, and enriching experiences.”