“Pledge a Library” reaches 11,000 students in UAE charity schools

August 28, 2025 / 5:59 PM

Sharjah 24: The Kalimat Foundation (KF) has announced the UAE-wide rollout of its “Pledge a Library” initiative, which will benefit over 11,000 students across 15 charity schools. Each school will receive a portable library containing 2,000 curated Arabic books, alongside reading and learning programmes and on-site activities to inspire a lifelong love of reading. The initiative launches with the start of the 2025–2026 academic year, coinciding with the UAE’s “Year of Community.”

Strengthening education through partnerships

Backed by Multiply Group and the Sharjah Private Education Authority (SPEA), the campaign aims to create sustainable learning environments that enhance teaching quality and broaden educational opportunities for students of diverse nationalities and backgrounds.

A global impact with local launch

As a flagship programme of Kalimat Foundation, “Pledge a Library” has been a global model for promoting children's right to read, previously delivering 100 books per library across 27 countries, spanning over 110 sites and 177 mobile libraries. This marks the first time the initiative is implemented in UAE schools, expanding its impact both locally and globally.

Making reading part of the school day

Amna Al Mazmi, Director of KF, stated: “Reading is both a right for every child and an educational and cultural necessity. It expands students’ horizons and safeguards our culture through the Arabic language. This campaign embeds reading into daily school life, ensuring equitable access to knowledge and cultural identity.”

Multiply group’s commitment to empowering future generations

Samia Bouazza, GCEO and Managing Director of Multiply Group, added: “We believe reading and knowledge are among the most powerful investments in shaping future generations. Through our 'Read to Lead' CSR programme and partnership with Kalimat Foundation, we are empowering children to unlock their full potential.”

SPEA’s vision for inclusive, sustainable education

Her Excellency Dr Muhadditha Al Hashimi, Chairperson of SPEA, commented: “This initiative supports our mission to promote Arabic language, enrich charity school environments, and integrate reading into daily curricula, thus improving education quality and expanding access to knowledge.”

Engaging programmes to foster reading habits

The initiative includes school visits with creative reading workshops, interactive storytelling sessions, and competitions that encourage reading and enhance language skills. School libraries will be stocked with Arabic materials selected according to “Pledge a Library” standards, ensuring age-appropriate and culturally rich content.