Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque Centre Introduces Junior Cultural Guide Programme For Youth Empowerment

The Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque Centre has introduced the 13th edition of its "Junior Cultural Guide Programme." This initiative is part of the "Al Shabab Al Banie" umbrella, which focuses on youth empowerment through various activities and programmes. The programme aims to nurture young talent by providing comprehensive training and workshops.

Participants are encouraged to develop a passion for cultural tours from an early age. They receive training in the fundamentals and standards of cultural tour delivery. This includes understanding the centre's mission to revive Islamic civilisation arts as a cultural legacy passed down through generations.

The programme seeks to foster cultural awareness and communication skills among participants. By doing so, it prepares them to serve as ambassadors of the UAE, promoting values of tolerance and fraternity globally. The centre invites male and female school students to join the summer training sessions.

The summer programme is divided into two periods: from 14th to 24th July, and from 4th to 14th August. Each session targets two age groups: 11 to 14 years and 15 to 17 years, with separate training for each group. This ensures tailored learning experiences for different age brackets.

The programme includes two main workshops. The first workshop, "The Impactful Speaker," covers topics such as the legacy of Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, leadership approaches, presentation skills, speech delivery, effective communication, overcoming anxiety, and preparing impactful commentary.

The second workshop, "The Aesthetics of the Mosque and Practical Application," introduces participants to practical aspects of mosque aesthetics. It also highlights the achievements of previous cycles' graduates. To date, over 498 students have successfully completed this programme.

Achievements and Emiratisation Efforts

The Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque Centre has achieved a significant milestone with a 100 percent Emiratisation rate for the Cultural Tour Specialist role. This reflects their commitment to empowering local talent in cultural tourism roles within the centre.

This initiative not only equips young individuals with essential skills but also instils in them a sense of pride in their cultural heritage. By engaging youth in such meaningful programmes, the centre contributes to building a knowledgeable and culturally aware generation ready to represent the UAE on international platforms.

With inputs from WAM