Kalimat Foundation turns art into books to support kids’ right to read

This month, the UAE-based non-profit organisation Kalimat Foundation dedicated to advancing children’s right to read is bringing together families for an afternoon of storytelling, creativity and giving at Tryano, Yas Mall, Abu Dhabi. In partnership with French-Tunisian artist eL Seed, the pop-up runs till August 30, and offers individuals, families and children an opportunity to connect with eL Seed’s signature calligraffiti style. The collaboration brings together Kalimat Foundation’s mission to expand access to books and knowledge with eL Seed’s distinctive artistic language, creating a collection through which the public can support a wider literacy cause. Proceeds from the collection support the Foundation’s Pledge a Library initiative, with a particular focus on providing Arabic titles, books and learning resources to children in Tunisia. “The most meaningful partnerships are those that bring different strengths together around a shared purpose and turn that collaboration into tangible impact,” said Amna Al Mazmi, Director of Kalimat Foundation. Families and visitors are invited to Tryano to discover the collection, and contribute to the cause. The Kalimat Foundation x eL Seed collaboration was first unveiled in November 2025 in the presence of Her Highness Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi, Founder and Chairperson of Kalimat Foundation. All proceeds from the collection are dedicated to the Foundation’s Pledge a Library initiative, with a particular focus on enhancing children’s access to stories and learning resources in Tunisia. So far, the Pledge a Library initiative has distributed more than 5,000 books in 27 countries, to various organisations – from public schools to children’s hospitals – around the world. In the UAE, 1000 books have been distributed across Abu Dhabi, Ajman and Sharjah. In case you can’t make it to the activation, but you’d still like to support the cause, you can shop the collection through the Kalimat Foundation website.