Refugee children need knowledge as much as shelter, foundation says

Refugee children should be offered education and culture as much as food and shelter, charity leaders claim

sharjah // Refugee children should have access to knowledge and culture as much as food, water and shelter, according to the founder of the Kalimat Foundation for Children's Empowerment (KF).

Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi encouraged wider access to books and learning materials during her visit to the Emirati-Jordanian Refugee Camp at Mrajeeb Al Fhood in Al Zarqa in Jordan.

“Acquiring knowledge through reading is one of the most important ways a child can secure for themselves a safer and more peaceful future,” she said.

“In the conditions that these children are living, reading is an act that helps them to come to terms with their reality. The right books can help them shape the future of their country, as they will be inspired by the history of its civilisation. Children are tomorrow’s generation and they need to lead the revival of their nations.”

The foundation has organised fun activities inspired by the atmosphere of the holy month of Ramadan. Children drew on the walls of the library and on bags distributed to them by the foundation, and engaged in workshops learning how to make Ramadan lanterns. They also decorated books in a way that portrayed their dreams.

In line with the UAE's 2017 Year of Giving, the Kalimat Foundation distributed 1,000 books to the refugee children at the camp, as part of the Libraries in Need programme.

It aims to create an environment of peace and security for children, allowing them the freedom of thought and creativity through books.