In keeping with its ongoing efforts to alleviate the suffering of refugee children and to support their happier and healthier childhood, the Kalimat Foundation, KF, for Children’s Empowerment distributed Eid gifts to more than 2,000 refugee children at the Emirati-Jordanian camp in the Mrajeed Al Fhood region of Jordan.

In May 2017, a delegation headed by Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi, Founder and Chairperson of KF, visited the camp and distributed cards to the children, who stated in writing what gifts they would like to receive on one side and drew their dreams on the other. The return visit this Eid, saw the foundation providing the gifts that the children had wished for.

Chaired by Amna Al Mazmi, Manager of KF, the delegation, which included representatives of sponsors and donators, distributed toy cars, books, crayons, footballs and other gifts to the children at the camp.

"Refugee children face a constant stream of challenges and it is a struggle for them to find ways to educate and entertain themselves. We launched this initiative in keeping with our desire to express solidarity with these children, draw a smile on their faces, alleviate their suffering and help fulfil their basic right of having a better life. We wanted to encourage them to overcome their distressing past and to be optimistic about a better and brighter future," said Sheikha Bodour Al Qasimi.

She further reiterated that the UAE plays an instrumental role in supporting refugees, promoting awareness of their plight, and creating a positive and peaceful atmosphere for them.

"The children’s drawings on the cards expressed high hopes and big dreams about themselves, their families and their countries. While their history has been cruel to them, they still have the belief that their future can be kind," Al Mazmi said.

"We chose this blessed occasion of Eid al-Adha to distribute the gifts because it is an ideal opportunity to enhance positivity and to remind them that life has a lot of things that spread joy. I would like to thank all the sponsors and donators who were instrumental to the success of the campaign, which is in line with the ‘Year of Giving’ launched by President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan," she added.

Mubarak Mohammed Al Khaili, Director of the UAE-Jordanian Camp, expressed his delight over KF’s initiative and highlighted the importance of regular visits by UAE organisations to the camp.

The 11 government entities and private corporations that supported KF’s campaign are the Sharjah Government Media Bureau, Sharjah Asset Management, Sharjah International Airport, Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority, Sharjah Media Corporation, Sharjah Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Sharjah Ladies Club, GEMS Schools, Mega Mall, Toys R Us, and Kalimat Group.