Sharjah: Kalimat Foundation (KF) recently participated as the Knowledge Expert in the “Tanween Mega
Challenge: Design Solutions for Refugees” organised by the King Abdulaziz Global
Cultural Center “Ithra” in Saudi Arabia from November 1-4, aiming to guide and direct
innovators and creators participating in the challenge to offer solutions and ideas to improve the
quality of life for refugees worldwide by providing sustainable knowledge and education
resources.
Tanween Mega Challenge
The Tanween challenges serve as the flagship initiative of “Ithra”, the largest creativity platform
in Saudi Arabia. They offer an ideal opportunity for emerging creatives and experienced
professionals to collaborate with top experts in translating their concepts into executable
programmes and initiatives. Part of the Tanween Challenges, the Tanween Mega Challenge
comprises three key tracks, namely, education, food security, and energy.
Reem Jassem, Manager of Special Initiatives at Kalimat Foundation, in collaboration with Alia Al
Rawashdeh, education in emergency expert in Jordan, supervised the participants in the
education track, guiding them to develop and present effective and executable solutions that
cater to the needs of refugee communities and displaced individuals in accessing knowledge
resources, and achieving sustainable learning opportunities for children and the youth. This
included promoting literacy efforts, social integration, and preserving Arab values and culture.
During the event, Reem outlined KF's “Pledge a Library” initiative, which delivers educational
resources in Arabic language for refugee children worldwide. Since its launch, the initiative has
provided 15,700 Arabic books, benefitting over 100,000 children across 22 host countries.
Inspiring models in overcoming challenges
Commenting on the Foundation's participation in the challenge, Reem Jassem said, “Kalimat
Foundation assists refugee communities in improving their quality of life and contributing to the
development of communities by providing knowledge and learning resources for children and
the youth through collaborations with leading international institutions. Our participation as
knowledge experts in this challenge is aimed at sharing our successful experience in “Pledge a
Library” initiative and enhancing our regional and global partnerships to pass on our know-how
and support programmes that benefit refugees, and children in particular.”
The annual “Tanween Challenges” invites participants to address important issues in various
fields, with each challenge including 20 participants showcasing their creative skills. Participants
receive sufficient support and necessary resources to face the challenge head-on, through
support from challenge partners and access to a comprehensive program of workshops and
lectures, enabling them to successfully implement their innovative solutions.
