Dubai-linked book drive sends surplus books to children in Africa
A former Dubai International Academy student's donation drive has gathered more than 55,000 books for children in African communities and has won her a 2026 Diana Award.
Bhakti Mundra, a former student of Dubai International Academy, started a book donation drive in 2022 to give children in underprivileged African communities better access to reading and learning materials. The drive has collected more than 55,000 books and has supported communities in Kenya, Senegal and Zambia.
More than 250 volunteers across the UAE have taken part, with residents donating books they no longer need and giving their time. The project has also recycled more than 1,100 kilograms of paper.
Mundra, who is now studying in Texas, also founded Researchory, a platform that helps students share and publish their research. On November 4, she was named a recipient of The Diana Award 2026 at its virtual ceremony, and she said she shared the honour with every volunteer, donor and partner who supported the work.