Zayed University Alumna, SheikhaShammaBint Sultan Bin Khalifa Al Nahyan, came back home to start “Wanna Read?” initiative, which aims to encourage reading and foster well-being by creating a dedicated and enriching environment.Established in 2013, “Wanna Read?” is a non-profit organisation creates warm, friendly, and stimulating environments in hospitals across the UAE, to help children through their healing and rehabilitation process. SheikhaShamma, Founder of “Wanna Read?” initiative, firmly believes that an enjoyment of books should be encouraged in all ages. Therefore, the Zayed University Alumna, has already established reading rooms in six of Abu Dhabi’s pediatric wards in Mafraq, Al Rahba, Sheikh Khalifa Medical City, Al Ain hospitals and is actively enlisting volunteers to cheer up young patients as they recover and heal through the wonderful world of books.
SheikhaShamma’s recruitment drive was met with well over one hundred enthusiastic volunteers from Zayed University students on both the male and females campuses, and the applications continue to pour in.“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,”SheikhaShamma, said. “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,” SheikhaShamma added.UAE hospitals provide the highest standards of medical care. The “Wanna Read?” program aims to complement these high standards and to support the rehabilitation process through educational enrichment.Therefore, the “Wanna Read?” team sets up an area within hospitals that is solely for children. They create a colorful environment, full of books and other interesting things, to entertain children and to encourage them to learn through reading.
On this occasion, Professor Reyadh AlMehaideb, Vice President of Zayed University, said: “We are extremely happy and proud to see our young graduates expressing their love and gratitude to their homeland through launching innovative and pioneering initiatives, which reflect the Emirati culture of giving and generosity. The foundations of which were laid by the late founding father, Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan and the President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, whose name has become synonymous with generosity and giving.” “The ground-breaking initiative led by SheikhaShamma reflects a profound human compassion and encourages young students to extend a helping hand to young patients through enjoying the beauty of reading,” he added. The Director of Student Life at Zayed University, Shamsa Al Taie, appreciates SheikhaShamma’s ongoing efforts to share her knowledge and contribute to the community. “She is an exceptional role model for our students as she follows in her great grandfather’s footsteps to make a positive difference in the world,” Shamsa added.