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 We wanted to know more about this wonderful organization and how it all began, so we got together with Rayah Al-Sabah, a member of the chapter, and bounced a few questions around.
Rayah Al-Sabah: WIJABA was established in 2008 by James J. Owens, a professor at the University of Southern California, to bring books and education to children in developing countries. This project, based on his own love for books, reading, and learning, was launched to help combat the overwhelming—and growing—need to educate the world’s children. The fund benefits from Professor Owens’ book, also titled The World is Just a Book Away, an anthology featuring submissions from more than 70 of the world’s most prominent people; including Jane Fonda, Queen Noor al-Hussein, Dr. Muhammad Yunus, Jane Goodall, Cher, and Riz Khan. In June 2009 WIJABA was able to provide 2,295 children with access to libraries and books. By December 2009, more than 9,000 children will have access to libraries and books. So far, 10 libraries have been launched on the 3rd and 4th of June 2009; and 20 more libraries by the end of this week, excluding mobile libraries. KT: What made you be a part of WIJABA and why are you so passionate about it? RS: I was taking a Business writing class, and James J. Owens, the founder was my professor. As an assignment for the class, we were asked to submit a business proposal to help his charity with regards to awareness and fundraising. Immediately, I asked to become a member of WIJABA and helped out as much I could in my spare time. As a result of my enthusiasm towards the cause I was kindly asked to represent WIJABA and become the Ambassador of WIJABA in my home country, Kuwait. Growing up in Kuwait, and getting the chance to go to one of the leading universities in the US, I know how privileged I was to be a part of a community where education is just part of growing up as opposed to something scarce that one would have risk his or her life for. Children have no say in whether or not they are poor, they have no say in whether or not they have access to books to learn, children with no access to books have no say in what they want become when they grow up. Therefore, I take it upon myself to help out when I can, and I hope to raise as much awareness as I possibly could so that the people of Kuwait may also help out. KT: What exactly should we expect on the 19th and 20th of December? RS: We are going to have a booth set-up at NEGDAR Exhibition to raise awareness. To encourage people to purchase our bookmarks, we are going to give out gifts and prizes to our customer's based on random selection. 100% of all proceeds will be transferred directly to WIJABA under the name of WIJABA: Kuwait Chapter. A silent auction will also be held for a first edition copy of the actual book, The World Is Just A Book Away, signed by Jane Fonda, a supporter of the cause. KT: How did the WIJABA: Kuwait Chapter come along? RS: WIJABA: Kuwait Chapter consists of the following: myself, Abdulaziz F. Al-Hudaib, Farah J. Al-Sabah, Salem M. Al-Thamer, Shabnan M. Al-Thamer and Omar M. Al-Mulla. I must say that this chapter wouldn't have been completed without their help. Accordingly, God-willing, after the potential success of our booth at the exhibition we are aiming to raise enough funds out of our sales to donate to WIJABA to build libraries/schools in the name of Kuwait's Chapter. Once that is established, we are hoping to have a physical base for WIJABA here in Kuwait, in which building libraries for underprivileged children would become a norm. In doing so I'm sure the vision of WIJABA will take not only a step towards fulfillment but also a leap. As Omar Al-Mulla, a fellow Kuwait Chapter Team member says: "Education is the cancer to poverty.” We hope that our efforts along with your support could help eradicate poverty one book at a time. On behalf of the entire Khaleejesque Team, I hope for all the best to the WIJABA: Kuwait Chapter group. What they are doing is an inspiration to us all and i hope more people will follow in their footsteps to ensure that we spread education, peace, and love across the world and end poverty once and for all. Whoever is in Kuwait on the 19th and 20th of December, please pass by the Negdar Exibhition at the Hilton Mangaf ballroom and support the WIJABA team in any way you can; rememeber 100% of your donations go directly into making the world a better place. For more information about this charity and how you can help please consult their Facebook group here. |
