In an inspiring initiative aimed at enhancing the humanitarian impact of literature, the “كان ياما كان” campaign has officially opened its doors for book donations. Organized by the Emirates Board on Books for Young People, this annual campaign during the holy month of Ramadan aims to provide high-quality books to children in crisis and disaster-stricken areas worldwide. By collaborating with a network of public libraries across Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, Ajman, Ras Al Khaimah, Fujairah, and Umm Al-Quwain, the initiative seeks to foster the child’s right to read and learn, ensuring that every child has access to transformative reading experiences.
The Power of Storytelling
This initiative aligns perfectly with the Emirates Board’s vision of enhancing children’s access to reading materials. The campaign emphasizes that books are more than mere pages; they serve as tools for education and psychological support in communities facing social and natural adversities, including wars and conflicts. This year’s campaign focuses on recruiting a variety of quality titles suitable for different age groups, considering cultural and educational significance to guarantee that enriching content reaches the most vulnerable children.
Convenient Donation Locations
The donation drive includes easily accessible drop-off points throughout Abu Dhabi, such as the Zayed Central Library, Al Bahya Library, Khalifa Park Library, Al Wathba Library, and Al Marfa Library. In Sharjah, public libraries in the city and areas like Khor Fakkan, Kalba, Al Dhaid, Dibba Al Hisn, and Wadi Al Helo, including Beit Al Hikma, will continue to accept book donations during the campaign period. In Ajman, book donation boxes are available at the Ajman Cooperative in both Al Jurf and Al Ramilah, as well as at the Federal Youth Foundation centers: RAK Youth Center, Al Fajer Youth Center in Umm Al-Quwain, and Murbah Girls Center in Fujairah.
A Call to the Community
Mawra Al Aqroubi, President of the Emirates Board on Books for Young People, remarked, “The ‘كان ياما كان’ initiative has evolved beyond merely a book donation campaign; it has become a humanitarian platform redefined by the role of books during crises. We believe that storytelling can provide children with a safe space, offering them a sense of balance amid turmoil.” She added, “Every year, we witness a real impact from this initiative in the lives of children who receive these books, whether by supporting them educationally or assisting in their psychological recovery. As global crises expand, so does our responsibility to bolster this effort and work with our partners to ensure books reach their destinations with utmost organization and efficiency.”
Quality Over Quantity
The initiative employs a meticulous process for sorting and preparing the books to ensure their suitability for the targeted beneficiaries in terms of language, content, and condition. This is coordinated with local and international partners for shipping to the designated areas. The campaign aims to establish a culture of qualitative donations, encouraging donors to select children’s and young adult literature that possesses high literary and artistic quality and enhances critical thinking and reading skills. This approach aligns with the Emirates Board’s mission to support and elevate children’s literature as a fundamental pillar in nurturing a reading and creative generation.
Since its inception, “كان ياما كان” has successfully built a sustainable operational model based on community partnership, governance in managing donations, and measuring the impact once books reach the children. This year’s campaign reaffirms its commitment to this developmental approach by expanding participation and enhancing its presence within the local cultural landscape. As the UAE solidifies its position as a hub for global cultural initiatives with a humanitarian dimension, the call remains open for every individual and institution to contribute to writing a new chapter in a story that begins with a book and extends to make a lasting impact in the lives of children.