With the Kan Yama Kan (KYK) campaign, the UAE Board on Books for Young People (UAEBBY) has spearheaded a bold initiative to increase reading rates among children and amplify their contribution to community service. 1,000 books have been distributed throughout Egypt in numerous villages and areas. The Emirates Publishers Association (EPA) generously donated the books to KYK, which were evenly dispersed between the Al Dawama village centre in the Fakous district of the eastern governorate and Mokattam in Cairo.
At Al Dawama village, KYK organised a series of edutainment activities for children. Cultural and reading sessions were organised in Bedaya institution in collaboration with Dar Alia for publishing in Mokattam in Cairo.
During book distribution, reading sessions for children led by the acclaimed Egyptian writer and storyteller Haitham El Sayed, recipient of the Etisalat Award for Children’s Literature and other prestigious accolades. El Sayed launched the “Hawadeet Al Arabeyat”, which travels to various Egyptian governorates and holds storytelling sessions. Through his unique storytelling style, El Sayed captivated children, nurtured their love for reading, and expanded their knowledge of the crucial role books play in building their future.
Marwa Al Aqroubi, President of UAEBBY, underscored KYK’s significance in fostering a reading culture and spreading knowledge throughout the UAE and the Arab world. She emphasised that books play a vital role in shaping young minds and instilling a lifelong love of learning.
Rashid Al Kous, Executive Director of EPA, expressed his pride in the KYK initiative and the 1,000 books distributed to children in Egypt. He highlighted the crucial role Emirati publishers’ crucial role in this initiative, adding that the Association is devoted to supporting endeavours that promote reading and encourage learning, both within the UAE and beyond.