In support of the "Read to Syria’s Children" initiative launched by Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi, UAEBBY Patron and Head of the Organising Committee of Knowledge Without Borders (KWB), the Sharjah Ladies Club has extended financial support of AED30,000 to the Big Heart Library, which opened in the Emirati-Jordanian Refugee Camp last June, as part of the initiative aimed at offering moral and psychological support to Syrian refugee children.
The 3,000-book children’s library, the first of its kind for Syrian refugees in the region, was opened by Sheikha Bodour Al Qasimi during her visit to the camp in Marjeeb Al Fahood, in Jordan The library was named after the Big Heart Campaign for Syrian Refugees launched by Her Highness Sheikha Jawaher bint Mohammed Al Qasimi on 20th June 2013, coinciding with the UNHCR’s commemoration of World Refugee Day.
The campaign aims at supporting Syrian refugee children affected by the crisis in Syria, alleviating their suffering, and maintaining their right to healthcare, education, a safe childhood, and to a better life and future.
Khawla Al Sarkal, Director of Sharjah Ladies Club, said, "We are pleased to be at the forefront of supporters of the Read to Syria’s Children and to Big Heart Library initiatives, as we deeply believe in the great role reading can play in helping children overcome the painful memories and the scenes of violence and brutality they have been subjected to. We want to help engage them in reading and the activities hosted in the libraries in order to give them and their families the hope for a better future." Al Sarkal added that the donated amount was part of the proceeds of the Ebriez Fashion Exhibition, which was hosted by Sharjah Ladies Club during Ramadan, to cater to women’s need for fashion, accessories, and Eid gifts.
The U.A.E. Board on Books for Young People (UAEBBY) and Knowledge Without Borders recently concluded the first phase of their "Gift from the Heart" campaign, which will see children in the Emirati-Jordanian Camp receive packages containing gifts and toys during Eid Al Adha.
The campaign forms part of the Read to Syria’s Children initiative, which will organise more campaigns and activities in collaboration with the Emirates Red Crescent and the camp’s management and partners from Jordan to ensure the initiative achieves its goals.
Sharjah Ladies Club seeks to further develop the role of U.A.E. women in society and improve services and facilities provided to women and their children.