Sharjah Ruler Attends Closing Ceremony Of The 4th International Forum For Arabic Language Teachers

His Highness Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, attended the closing ceremony of the 4th International Forum for Arabic Language Teachers (IFALT). Organised by the Sharjah Private Education Authority (SPEA) with the Sharjah Education Academy, the event took place from 4th to 6th October at the Sharjah Council for Higher Education and Scientific Research in University City.

The forum's agenda included panel discussions, training workshops, and model lessons. These sessions addressed curricula, teaching methods, digital education, and Arabic language skills like reading and writing. The focus was also on teaching Arabic to non-native speakers and developing effective evaluation tools. Students participated in cultural competitions and poetry debates, enhancing their engagement with the language.

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Dr Muhadditha Al Hashemi, Chairperson of SPEA and Sharjah Education Academy, expressed gratitude to H.H. the Ruler of Sharjah for his support. She emphasised that this backing is crucial for educational success in the emirate. The forum serves as a platform for sharing expertise and aligns with strategic goals for 2025–2028 aimed at empowering teachers and enhancing educational quality.

Dr Al Hashemi highlighted efforts to inspire passion for Arabic among teachers. She revealed that Sharjah made significant progress in standardised Arabic tests called "Talaa" compared to international averages. Additionally, over 120 female national teachers have been trained through the "Teacher and Proud" programme, advancing the UAE’s vision of using Standard Arabic in government nurseries.

The event featured 264 speakers from 23 countries representing various institutions. This diversity showcased a wide range of experiences in teaching Arabic to both native and non-native speakers. Graduates from the "Teacher and Proud" programme played a role in organising workshops, highlighting a focus on empowering national talent.

A student performance titled "Sharjah of Light" was presented by Victoria International School students. It celebrated Arabic's role in societal advancement while honouring Sharjah’s commitment under its Ruler’s leadership to preserve the language. The Ruler also honoured sponsors and strategic partners who contributed to the forum's success.

Academic Contributions and Strategic Collaborations

The forum presented several academic research papers on topics like Arabic literacy and early childhood education. These studies were conducted with strategic partners to enhance understanding of these areas. Dr Al Hashemi pledged continued efforts to promote the Arabic language through such initiatives.

The event collaborated with organisations like the Arabic Language Educational Centre For Gulf States, which organised specialised sessions offering advanced insights for participants. Held under "With Arabic We Rise", coinciding with World Teachers’ Day, it reaffirmed its role as an educational platform promoting Arabic as a symbol of identity.

Honouring Contributions to Language Promotion

Guest of Honour Dr Barbara Michalak from Jagiellonian University praised Sharjah’s global support for Arabic educators. She commended workshop quality at IFALT while thanking organisers for inviting her. Her remarks underscored international recognition of Sharjah’s efforts towards promoting Arabic globally.

The closing ceremony was attended by Sarah bint Yousif Al Amiri, Minister of Education; Dr Amna Al Dahak Al Shamsi, Minister of Climate Change and Environment; along with senior officials and educators from participating institutions.

The four-day programme began on 4th October with preparatory activities followed by official sessions on 5th-6th October. The closing ceremony occurred on 6th October but activities continued into 7th October in Eastern Region highlighting broad geographical reach.

With inputs from WAM