Well-read kids deemed UAE’s future heroes

Published on: Sunday, May 05, 2024

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Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Al Qasimi, Ruler of Emirates Sharjah, launched the Sharjah Children’s Reading Festival 2024 on May 1.

GET all the children into the act of reading, the written word can resculpture the future of an entire nation, top luminaries of the Sharjah Children’s Reading Festival (SCRF) believe.

Small wonder the SCRF 2024 marks its 15th year with increasing gusto, because of an unyielding faith in the power and impact of a widespread reading habit.

Once again, the Daily Express has been invited to join 190 distinguished guests from 25 countries, in my case, to cover what is rated the Middle East’s largest event dedicated to nurture and enrich the imaginations of young minds.

The theme, “Once Upon a Hero”, is designed for this year is designed to impress upon the influence that the written word in “sculpting” the future of children through the act of reading.

The festival’s theme – ‘Once Upon a Hero’.

Expo Centre Sharjah: Venue of the Sharjah Children’s Reading Festival.

The numbers manifest more than 1,400 cultural, artistic and edutainment activities spearheaded by the 190 guests prominent in their fields from the 25 countries set the stage forge explorations and creative expressions along with the support of 470 publishers from 75 countries.

It brought together book sellers, distributors, publishers from the Middle East and around the world to attend the 3rd annual Booksellers Conference to discuss business issues and best practices, two days before the launching of SCRF 2024 on May 1, by the cultural project’s original master, Dr Sheikh Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Ruler of Sharjah, member of the Supreme Council of United Arab Emirates.

A workshop in progress.

A book lover himself, Dr Sheikh Sultan Al Qasimi founded the Sharjah Book Authority years ago to develop a publishing industry and foster the love for reading by organising the annual Sharjah Children’s Reading Festival.

Worth noting also is Dr Sheikh launching the 2nd edition of the Sharjah Animation Conference (May1-5) at the Expo Centre Sarjah which brings together renowned animators, artistes, creatives, thinkers and other industry leaders in the first of its kind event.

Children’s minds not mere receptacles but beacons: Ahmad Rakkad

“We firmly believe that children’s minds are not mere receptacles for information but rather beacons waiting to be ignited. Drawing a crucial distinction between the two concepts, the former implies a child burdened with knowledge they may not understand and how to apply.

“The latter empowers them to envision clear paths, utilise their existing abilities, and continually explore new horizons,” said Ahmad bin Rakkad Al Ameri, CEO of Sharjah Books Authority.

Ahmad bin Rakkad Al Ameri, CEO of Sharjah Books Authority

Kawala Al Mujaini, Generator Co-ordinator of Sharjah Children’s Reading Festival, said:

“The 15th edition of Sharjah Reading Festival has unfolded the theme ‘Once Upon A Time’ to impress upon the influence of the written word has a sculpturing the future of our children.

“The act of reading can be easily likened to a journey into the depths of our own being that ultimately ends in cultivating our imaginations, forging our character and shaping our lives,” she said.

One of the inspirational booths designed to provide space for workshops to engage children to explore diverse creative, innovative, interests, talents and skills at the festival.

Left photo, Children with the mascot of Sharjah Animation Conference. Right photo, classic case of an Emirati mother exposing her two sons to books at the festival.

The two media liaison carers for Daily Express – Syrian Badr and Emirati Mahmoud Waleed.

A gathering of journalists at the Media Lounge.

Bumping into interesting individuals from the world – Air Italy Boeing 747 pilot, Javiar, who said Sharjah has a big airport, too, not far from Dubai airport.

“Through this festival, we nurture generations who recognise the true potential of reading as the key to changes and development. We are shaping young minds who strongly believe that they are the heroes of their own stories, capable of limitless creativity and innovation,” Kawala said.

Lined up at SCRF 2024 cultural programme are 50 enlightening discussions that highlight the importance of nurturing children’s communication skills and creativity and delve into other significant debates.

These discussions are led by 71 esteemed guests and top global luminaries from 25 countries, including American best-selling author Stacey Faer, Malaysian author and trainer and Ng Yin Yi, among others.