Sheikha Shamma recruits volunteers for “Wanna Read?” project
The founder of the UAE’s “Wanna Read” project, Sheikha Shamma bint Sultan bin Khalifa Al Nahyan, went back to her roots this week to recruit volunteers for the initiative at Zayed University.
The ZU graduate set up the charitable project in 2013, establishing reading rooms in six of Abu Dhabi’s paediatric wards, creating a dedicated and enriching environment for children to use reading as part of the healing and rehabilitation process. Sheikha Shamma’s recruitment drive was met with more than 100 student volunteers from Zayed University on both the male and females campuses, eager to help cheer up young patients as they recover and heal through the world of books.
The philanthropist said: “I am so encouraged by the huge turnout of volunteers and hope the students will enjoy their experience with “Wanna Read?”, an initiative that fosters a love of books and healing through reading.
“I am not surprised by the impressive number of volunteers from Zayed University. In our culture, the spirit of giving has been ingrained in each and every one of us, as we are all the children of our founding father, Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan.”
Professor Reyadh AlMehaideb, Vice President of Zayed University, said: “The ground-breaking initiative led by Sheikha Shamma reflects a profound human compassion and encourages young students to extend a helping hand to young patients through enjoying the beauty of reading.”
The Director of Student Life at Zayed University, Shamsa Al Taie said the young Sheikha “is an exceptional role model for our students”.
Source:https://www.thenational.ae/uae/education/sheikha-shamma-recruits-volunteers-for-wanna-read-project-1.153507