Kalimat Foundation Brings Arabic Libraries to 4,000 Malaysia Students

Her Highness Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi, Founder and Chairperson of Kalimat Foundation (KF), has spearheaded a significant literacy initiative in Malaysia, donating six portable libraries stocked with 600 high-quality Arabic-language children’s books to primary schools across the country. The donation is set to enrich reading opportunities for more than 4,000 students and strengthen Arabic language education in Malaysian schools.

The initiative, carried out under Kalimat Foundation’s flagship 'Pledge a Library' programme, was executed in partnership with Kota Buku a Malaysian government-linked organisation dedicated to promoting reading, literacy, and the national publishing industry and in collaboration with IBBY Malaysia, the national section of the International Board on Books for Young People.

These portable libraries will bolster existing school library resources, providing students and educators with engaging Arabic-language materials that nurture imagination, cultural awareness, and a lifelong love of reading. The books were carefully selected to support language learning while offering stories that connect children to broader knowledge and perspectives.

During her visit to Malaysia, Sheikha Bodour personally inaugurated the initiative at Seri Bintang South National School in Kuala Lumpur. She was warmly received by Adibah Omar, Chief Executive Officer of Kota Buku; Maziah Malik, Headmistress of the school; senior officials from Malaysia’s Ministry of Education; and representatives from Kota Buku.

Sheikha Bodour toured the school’s facilities and library, and participated in a vibrant student programme celebrating Arabic language and culture. The event featured an Arabic-language performance, a book-gifting session, a storytelling activity, and a creative workshop where students designed bookmarks inspired by the stories they heard. These interactive experiences encouraged imagination, discussion, and artistic expression among the young participants.

Commenting on the initiative, Her Highness Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi said, “Malaysia has a long and distinguished tradition of Arabic education, nurtured through its schools and communities over many generations. Through ‘Pledge a Library’, we are honoured to contribute to this legacy by expanding children's access to quality Arabic books and enriching the learning environments where language, culture and identity continue to thrive. Every library we place in a school, community space or educational setting reflects our belief that books can open pathways to learning, curiosity and opportunity, while giving children the chance to build meaningful connections with the world around them".

Adibah Omar, Chief Executive Officer of Kota Buku, expressed her appreciation: “Reading broadens perspectives and strengthens young minds. We welcome this collaboration with Kalimat Foundation as it enriches opportunities for our students to engage more deeply with Arabic language and literature while reinforcing the strong educational and cultural ties between Malaysia and the UAE. Partnerships such as this contribute meaningfully to our learning environment and reflect our shared commitment to nurturing future generations through education".

This latest donation highlights Kalimat Foundation’s ongoing commitment to promoting Arabic literacy beyond the Arab world. By supporting Arabic language education in diverse international settings, the Foundation helps young readers expand their vocabulary, deepen cultural understanding, and develop stronger connections with the Arabic language through enjoyable reading experiences.

The Malaysia project forms part of Kalimat Foundation’s broader international outreach. Through the 'Pledge a Library' programme, the Foundation has distributed more than 216 portable libraries, benefiting over 100,000 children across 30 countries on six continents. These efforts involve close collaboration with governments, educational institutions, and humanitarian organisations to ensure children everywhere have access to quality Arabic books.

Kalimat Foundation’s work emphasises the transformative power of reading in building bridges between cultures. The portable libraries are designed to be practical and easily integrated into school environments, making high-quality Arabic literature accessible even in resource-limited settings. This approach not only supports language acquisition but also fosters cross-cultural appreciation and personal development among students.

The initiative in Malaysia is particularly meaningful given the country’s established tradition of Arabic studies and its diverse, multicultural society. By strengthening school libraries with Arabic resources, the programme supports both local educational goals and international cultural exchange between Malaysia and the United Arab Emirates.

Educational experts note that early exposure to quality literature plays a crucial role in cognitive development, empathy building, and academic success. The 600 books donated through this initiative are expected to serve as valuable tools for teachers while providing students with engaging content that sparks curiosity and creativity.

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As part of its global mission, Kalimat Foundation continues to expand networks with trusted partners to extend the reach of Arabic books to communities where they are most needed. The Foundation’s efforts demonstrate a deep belief in the power of stories to inspire, educate, and connect children across borders.

This collaboration between Kalimat Foundation, Kota Buku, and IBBY Malaysia exemplifies successful international cooperation in education and culture. It reinforces the importance of public-private and cross-border partnerships in addressing literacy challenges and promoting multilingual education in today’s interconnected world.

Looking forward, both organisations expressed hope that this initiative will serve as a foundation for future joint projects, further strengthening educational ties and creating more opportunities for Malaysian students to engage with Arabic language and literature.

The successful visit and donation underscore Kalimat Foundation’s leadership in global children’s literacy efforts and its dedication to ensuring every child has the opportunity to discover the joy of reading in their heritage language.