Sharjah:The Big Heart Foundation (TBHF) and the UAE Board on Books for Young People (UAEBBY) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to enhance access to books and knowledge for children and young people. This initiative was launched during the 45th Sharjah International Book Fair at Expo Centre Sharjah.
According to Emirates News Agency, the partnership aims to organize book donation drives, establish libraries, and develop reading spaces. Mariam Al Hammadi of TBHF and Marwa Al Aqroubi of UAEBBY signed the agreement at the fair. The campaign seeks to collect over 10,000 books to support humanitarian and educational efforts.
The collaboration is structured around TBHF's Educate the Heart initiative and UAEBBY's Kan Yama Kan initiative, focusing on promoting reading alongside values of giving and volunteering. It calls on schools, universities, libraries, and community members to contribute to the cause.
Al Hammadi emphasized the importance of access to knowledge for children's development and future-building. She highlighted the partnership's role in addressing these needs by combining expertise to benefit children and communities.
Al Aqroubi noted the enduring right to knowledge for all children, regardless of circumstances. The partnership with TBHF aims to deliver quality books and create libraries that foster lifelong reading habits.
UAEBBY will lead book collection campaigns, coordinate with partners, and manage book sorting and preparation. TBHF will determine donation destinations and requirements, ensuring alignment with their humanitarian priorities.
The agreement also involves establishing and improving libraries and reading spaces globally, selecting materials to meet community needs, and monitoring project outcomes for sustainability. Educate the Heart engages students in humanitarian work, fostering values of giving and responsibility, with over 30,000 students participating since its launch.
Source Wam