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The UAEBBY opens the doors to book donations through the Dubai Public Libraries

 A book donation campaign has been launched by the Kan Yama Kan (KYK) initiative, established by the UAE Board on Books for Young People (UAEBBY), in collaboration with Dubai Culture and Arts Authority (Dubai Culture), to aid children and young adults living in countries experiencing humanitarian crises around the world, where access to books is limited.

UAEBBY is calling upon both the community and its institutions to support this cultural and humanitarian venture by donating books and children’s stories in any language through Dubai Public Libraries branches, which include Hatta Public Library, Al Twar Library, Al Rashidiya Library, Hor Al Anz Library, Al Mankhool Library, Umm Suqeim Library, and Al Safa Art and Design Library, throughout the campaign, which runs until the end of the holy month of Ramadan.

Marwa Al Aqroubi, President of UAEBBY, spoke about the significance of the KYK initiative and Sharjah’s dedication to bolstering the role of knowledge and culture in fostering hope and self-assurance in children who experience difficulties accessing books. “We aim to equip them with tools that can assist them in overcoming the circumstances they are in, providing them with knowledge and insight, and anticipating a brighter future where books play a fundamental role in propelling their communities towards development,” she said.

Dr. Saeed Mubarak bin Kharbash, CEO of the Arts & Literature Sector in Dubai Culture said, “We recognise the importance of reading and knowledge in instilling hope and inspiration, expanding horizons that contribute to developing an ambitious generation capable of enacting positive change and participating in the development of their communities. We also acknowledge the importance of collaborating with various cultural entities and institutions to disseminate knowledge in less fortunate countries and make literature and culture accessible to all.”

Since its establishment in 2015, the Kan Yama Kan initiative has delivered thousands of books to areas suffering from social or natural calamities and wars, where access to knowledge sources is restricted. With the aid of international partners, the initiative has enabled refugee children to gain access to educational and entertaining content, bringing a glimmer of hope into their lives and enabling them to pursue their aspirations for a brighter future.