Arabic books distributed to more than 150 families

Sharjah: Over 150 families in the Al Saja'a area Thursday received a bookcase of Arabic books as part of the campaign Knowledge without Borders (KWB).

"We started distributing the bookcases on Tuesday and yesterday we concluded the event by holding a special function for children," Rashid Al Kous, General Coordinator of KWB.

The children's events took place at a park in where dozens of school children participated, which included storytelling, puppet shows, children songs, competitions and drawing activities.

"Children were treated to the traditional Emirati dance of Ayyala, because it is not only important to be well-read but also to be culturally aware as well," Al Kous said.

The KWB project aims to supply UAE national households in Sharjah with 50 Arabic books per home to refresh their interest in local culture and religion, science, Arab literature, and other areas of learning.

The campaign will continue next year and target the areas of Maleha, Khor Kalba, Margham, Dibba Al Hosn, Kalba, Khor Fakkan, Sharjah City, and Al Hamriya.

The KWB project was launched in November 2008 and is expected to run until 2012, which will cater up to 42,000 Emirati families throughout its campaign.

Shaikha Budoor Bint Sultan Al Qasimi, President of the Emirates Publishing Association and Chief Executive of Kalimat Publishing House, said the KWB is distributing questionnaires to find out what kind of books families are interested in reading.