Kalimat Foundation Enriches Cultural Identity with Arabic Library in Poland
In a significant move to bolster the cultural identity and educational resources for Arab children in Poland, the Kalimat Foundation has unveiled a portable Arabic library tailored specifically for young members of the Arab community in the country. The gift underscores the vital role that access to books in one’s native language plays in a child’s reading development and overall cultural affinity.
The unveiling of the library took place during an auspicious ceremony at the National Library in Warsaw, coinciding with the 2026 Warsaw International Book Fair (WIBF). Her Highness Sheikha Bodour Al Qasimi, the Founder and Chairperson of the Kalimat Foundation, spearheaded the initiative, which received a warm reception from attendees, particularly families with children aged between seven and fifteen.
The library was presented to Marhaba Bolanda, a notable organization in Wroclaw dedicated to fostering educational and cultural programs that bridge the Arab and Polish communities. The ceremony was not merely an act of donation but a multifaceted event that emphasized the importance of reading as a lifelong companion and gateway to cultural understanding.
Engaging six children in attendance, the foundation introduced its ‘Pledge a Library’ initiative, an interactive workshop that allowed the participants to craft and personalize mini portable libraries inspired by the collection of donated Arabic books. This creative exercise served a dual purpose: it sparked the children’s imaginations while imbuing them with a sense of ownership and connection to the literature they were engaging with. The initiative highlighted that books are not only sources of knowledge; they harbor personal stories and memories that shape a child’s identity.
In her remarks addressing the gathered guests, Sheikha Bodour Al Qasimi poignantly articulated the expansive significance of reading for children who have relocated far from their homelands. “For Arab children growing up far from home, a book in Arabic is more than a story,” she stated. “It is a bridge to their heritage, their identity, and their roots.” Through her insight, she underscored that maintaining a language connection—even geographically distanced—plays a critical role in sustaining a child’s cultural heritage.
The chairperson further remarked, “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.” This statement encapsulates the foundation’s mission to eliminate barriers to accessing literary resources and ensure that children can nurture their intellectual curiosities in their mother tongue.
Sufian Kayyali, Chairman of the Board at Marhaba Bolanda, echoed the sentiment expressed by Sheikha Bodour. He articulated the profound impact such donations have on the community, affirming that access to Arabic literature helps children reclaim their heritage and strengthens their cultural identities. “This donation will help foster a richer sense of belonging and identity among our children,” he noted, reflecting on the significance of the library within the community.
Following the ceremony, the portable library was transferred to the Hello Poland Center, where it will serve as a lasting resource for the broader community. The integration of the library into the center promises to facilitate ongoing access to Arabic literature, nurturing future generations of readers.
This initiative is part of Kalimat Foundation’s larger ‘Pledge a Library’ program, aimed at providing Arabic children’s literature to underserved communities globally. By participating in events like WIBF 2026 under Sharjah’s Guest of Honour program, the foundation strives to raise awareness about the importance of linguistic and cultural resources for children everywhere.
In conclusion, Kalimat Foundation’s gift of a portable Arabic library in Poland is more than a mere donation; it is a vital lifeline that reaffirms the organization’s commitment to fostering educational equity and cultural continuity for Arab children in diaspora. As the complexities of globalization continue to shape identities, initiatives like these serve as essential reminders of the importance of nurturing one’s language and heritage, ensuring that distance never diminishes the bonds to one’s roots.
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