H.H. Sheikh Sultan Al Qasimi Opens The 15th Sharjah Children’s Reading Festival
The 15th edition of the Sharjah Children’s Reading Festival (SCRF 2024) was officially opened by H.H. Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Muhammed Al Qasimi, the Ruler of Sharjah, marking the commencement of a significant cultural event in the UAE. Held at the Expo Centre Sharjah until May 12th, this year's festival, themed 'Once Upon a Hero', is organized by the Sharjah Book Authority (SBA) and features an impressive lineup of activities and participants.
Among the attendees at the opening ceremony were notable figures such as Sheikh Sultan bin Ahmed Al Qasimi and Sheikha Bodour Al Qasimi. The festival boasts participation from 186 Arab and foreign publishers across 20 countries, offering over 1,500 cultural, artistic, and edutainment activities. A total of 265 guests from 25 countries, including distinguished writers, artists, publishers, and illustrators, are leading these sessions.
During his tour of SCRF, H.H. Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Muhammed Al Qasimi visited several pavilions, engaging with the major cultural and educational activities presented by organizations like the Sharjah Private Education Authority, the Emirates Publishers Association, and the Supreme Council for Family Affairs. He also explored the offerings of the House of Wisdom, Rubu' Qarn for Creating Future Leaders and Innovators, the Sharjah Social Services Department, and Sharjah Public Libraries.
The festival not only serves as a platform for recognizing talent through awards such as the Sharjah Children's Reading Festival Award and the Sharjah Children's Book Illustration Award but also aims to foster a love for reading among children. It encourages them to appreciate its significant role in personal and societal development.
SCRF 2024 is rich in diverse programming, including workshops on sustainability, fashion, crafts, and music. Additionally, attendees can enjoy 12 performances ranging from theatre shows to roaming acts by artists from 12 different countries. Panel discussions aimed at enhancing children's communication skills feature 70 guests from around the globe.
Another highlight of the festival is the Poetry Knight competition, designed to inspire children and young adults to engage with Arabic poetry. This competition is divided into three categories to accommodate different age groups.
In essence, SCRF 2024 stands as a beacon for promoting literacy and creativity among young minds. Through its extensive array of activities, workshops, performances, and discussions led by globally recognized professionals in literature and arts, the festival underscores Sharjah's commitment to nurturing future generations that value reading and knowledge.
With inputs from WAM
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