
Where Braille Becomes a Constellation of Wonder
In a secluded corner of a library in Sharjah, a young girl named Lina, merely ten years old, delicately navigates a page filled with raised dots using her fingertips. Though her eyes may not perceive the world around her, the tactile bumps of braille conjure vivid stories about stars that illuminate her imagination. Each dot serves as a guide, enabling Lina to traverse the constellations of words, effectively transforming the limitations of her sight into the expansiveness of her mind.
This remarkable journey is made possible by the Kalimat Foundation’s ‘Ara’ initiative—an Arabic term that translates to “I see.” The initiative is dedicated to producing Arabic literature in accessible formats, specifically designed for visually impaired children like Lina. Through ‘Ara’, previously unattainable narratives are now available in diverse formats: tactile braille books, large-print texts, EPUB 3 formats, rich audio narrations, and interactive e-books enriched with text-to-speech technology. Moreover, these titles are also published in print, ensuring that both sighted and visually impaired children can share reading experiences, thus fostering an inclusive and collaborative learning environment.
The ‘Ara’ initiative represents a significant milestone for children with visual impairments, embodying a fundamental truth: every child possesses the inherent right to access literature, irrespective of their abilities. To date, ‘Ara’ has facilitated the production and distribution of tens of thousands of accessible books throughout the Arab world, substantially bridging the gap in accessible Arabic literature. By nurturing a culture that empowers publishers to create these essential formats, the initiative has moved visually impaired children from the periphery of literary consideration to a position of inclusion.
Amna Al Mazmi, the Director of the Kalimat Foundation, eloquently articulates the initiative’s mission: “This program reflects Sharjah’s unwavering belief in literature’s ability to provide refuge, nurture hope, and open a portal to the vast expanse of knowledge and imagination, regardless of the circumstances faced.” Lina’s voyage represents the very essence of this vision; through ‘Ara’, she not only traverses the stars written on the page but also envisions a future filled with infinite possibilities, much like the boundless adventures spurred by the stories she reads.
How Books Can Rebuild a Sense of Home
Hundreds of miles away, a boy named Malik stands at the entrance of a refugee camp, clutching an Arabic storybook—his mother tongue, a connection to the culture he was compelled to leave behind. Separated from most of his cherished belongings, including books that once formed his sanctuary, Malik finds solace and hope through the Kalimat Foundation’s brilliant ‘Pledge a Library’ initiative.
This program delivers compact, mobile libraries, each housing 100 Arabic books, to communities in need. Upon arrival at Malik’s camp, the initiative ignited celebration among children, who eagerly gathered around as volunteers unpacked vibrant titles. For these young refugees, every book provided a semblance of normality, a cultural connection, and a meaningful step toward reintegration into a new community. These literary treasures serve as crucial tools to preserve cultural ties while facilitating assimilation, thus enabling children like Malik to escape into the comforting realms of their imaginations.
Malik’s experience resonates across numerous communities—be it refugee camps or remote villages. Since its inception, the ‘Pledge a Library’ initiative has reached displaced and underserved populations worldwide, distributing over 18,700 books across 27 countries, subsequently impacting more than 115,000 children.
Pages of Hope and Bridges of Inclusion
While Lina and Malik lead markedly different lives, they are inextricably linked by the transformative power of literature. Each possesses a narrative that unlocks the doors to knowledge and creativity. The braille book that empowers Lina and the portable library enriching Malik’s life stem from the same underlying philosophy: the Kalimat Foundation seeks to ensure that every child has the autonomy to read, regardless of their circumstances or abilities, firmly believing that stories possess the healing, educational, and empowering qualities essential for human development.
As we observe International Youth Day, we recognize the remarkable resilience and creativity of these children and countless others who cultivate their aspirations page by page. We also pay tribute to all those who contribute to making reading a reality for children everywhere: parents, educators, volunteers, and visionaries who understand that a child with a book is equipped with a chance for a better future. Each donated library and every accessible book emerges as a beacon of hope, representing the profound impact that can be realized when no child is left behind.
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