Enhancing Cultural Identity Through Literature
The Kalimat Foundation recently provided a portable Arabic library to Arab communities in Poland, an initiative designed to strengthen reading skills, language development, and cultural identity among children. This donation underscores the importance of making books in their native language accessible to young readers.
The library was presented to Marhaba Bolanda, an organization based in Wroclaw dedicated to educational and cultural programs for both Arab and Polish communities. The announcement took place during a ceremony at the National Library in Warsaw, held concurrently with the 2026 Warsaw International Book Fair (WIBF). Her Highness Sheikha Bodour Al Qasimi, the Founder and Chairperson of Kalimat Foundation, was present at the event.
Engaging Young Readers
Six children, aged between 7 and 15, attended the ceremony with their families. They were introduced to the Foundation’s ‘Pledge a Library’ initiative and participated in an interactive workshop. During the workshop, the children painted and customized miniature portable libraries, drawing inspiration from the donated collection. This activity aimed to encourage children to view books not merely as reading material but as cherished companions linked to personal memories.
Sheikha Bodour Al Qasimi highlighted the critical role of reading in preserving cultural identity for children residing abroad. “For Arab children growing up far from home, a book in Arabic is more than a story — it is a bridge to their heritage, their identity and their roots,” she stated. She further explained that the initiative seeks to ensure that geographical distance does not hinder children’s connection to their language and culture. “Reading shapes the way children think, imagine and understand the world around them, and it is our responsibility to place the right books in their hands, wherever they may be,” she added.
Community Impact and Future Access
Sufian Kayyali, Chairman of the Board at Marhaba Bolanda, expressed that the donation would significantly benefit the community. He emphasized that access to Arabic books helps children maintain a connection to their heritage and fosters a sense of value within their cultural identity. Following the ceremony, the library was moved to the Hello Poland Center, where it will continuously serve the community.
This donation is part of the Kalimat Foundation’s broader ‘Pledge a Library’ initiative, which focuses on providing Arabic children’s books to communities that have limited access to such resources. The Foundation’s involvement in WIBF 2026 falls under Sharjah’s Guest of Honour program. Through this initiative, the Kalimat Foundation is committed to ensuring that children globally can read and learn in their own language, supporting their educational and cultural development regardless of their location.
Source: Kalimat Foundation donates Arabic library to children in Poland at WIBF 2026
