Enhancing Cultural Identity Through Literature

The Kalimat Foundation, an organization dedicated to promoting literacy, has provided a portable Arabic library to assist children from Arab communities residing in Poland. This effort underscores the critical importance of providing access to books in their native language to foster reading proficiency, linguistic development, and a strong sense of cultural identity.

The library was officially presented to Marhaba Bolanda, a Wrocław-based group focused on educational and cultural initiatives for both Arab and Polish communities. The announcement took place during a special ceremony at the National Library in Warsaw, held concurrently with the 2026 Warsaw International Book Fair (WIBF). Her Highness Sheikha Bodour Al Qasimi, the Founder and Chairperson of Kalimat Foundation, was present at the event.

Engaging the Younger Generation

Six children, ranging in age from 7 to 15, attended the ceremony alongside their families. They were introduced to the Foundation’s ‘Pledge a Library’ program and took part in an interactive workshop. During this workshop, the children painted and customized miniature portable libraries, drawing inspiration from the donated collection. This activity aimed to encourage children to view books not merely as reading material but as cherished companions linked to personal experiences.

Addressing the attendees, Sheikha Bodour Al Qasimi highlighted the vital role of reading in helping children maintain their cultural identity, particularly when living abroad. She remarked,

“For Arab children growing up far from home, a book in Arabic is more than a story — it is a bridge to their heritage, their identity and their roots.”

She further explained that the initiative seeks to ensure that geographical distance does not impede children's connection to their language and culture, emphasizing that reading shapes how children think, imagine, and understand the world.

Community Impact and Future Access

Sufian Kayyali, Chairman of the Board at Marhaba Bolanda, expressed that the donation would have a substantial positive impact on the community. He noted that having access to Arabic books helps children feel connected to their heritage and affirms the value of their cultural identity. Following the ceremony, the library was transported to the Hello Poland Center, where it will be continuously available for community use.

This donation is a component of Kalimat Foundation’s broader ‘Pledge a Library’ initiative, which aims to supply Arabic children’s books to communities that have limited access to such resources. The Foundation’s participation in WIBF 2026 was part of Sharjah’s Guest of Honour program. Through these initiatives, the Kalimat Foundation is committed to ensuring that children worldwide can read and learn in their native language, thereby supporting their educational and cultural growth irrespective of their location.

Source: Kalimat Foundation donates Arabic library to children in Poland at WIBF 2026