Sharjah 24: In continuation of its efforts to support the cultural and intellectual movement, and to enhance the educational scene in the Emirate of Sharjah, Sharjah Private Education Authority (SPEA) is participating in the 15th “Sharjah Children’s Reading Festival”, organised by “Sharjah Book Authority” at Expo Centre Sharjah, from 1 to 12 May, under the slogan “Be the hero of your story”.

His Excellency Mr. Ali Al Hosani, Director of SPEA, confirmed that the Authority’s participation in this festival comes as confirmation of its firm commitment to promoting the love of reading among children, by presenting a qualitative, unique and distinguished package of activities and workshops, which gives students in Sharjah private schools the opportunity to express their talents and their creativity in the world of literature and culture, noting that the activities will host participants from different age groups, and will be specifically designed to meet the needs and tendencies of young readers.

Al Hosani added that the Authority’s participation in the Sharjah Children’s Reading Festival expresses its ambitious vision in enhancing students’ abilities and developing their passion for reading and culture, and its keenness on the importance of partnership between educational and cultural institutions in achieving common educational and cultural goals. 

Al Hosani explained that the festival’s slogan, “Be the hero of your story,” is a slogan that inspires children to discover their creative abilities and talents through reading and writing, which is consistent with the Authority’s objectives and is in line with Sharjah’s vision of building a knowledge society based on culture and education by providing a stimulating educational environment that encourages children to explore and create.

The first day of the festival will see 5 events and activities, including Sidra Private School presenting a skit on the Arabic language; Khalifa Al Hamza American Private School will present an Arabic language play; the Authority will also present a drawing event; and Emirates Private School will organises an arts workshop, while the second day will see 4 activities including a poem recited by students of Al Murooj English Private School and Kindergarten, a Let’s Write a Story activity presented by Al Basa’ir Private School, a presentation of the Emirati identity by the Emirates Private School, and a continuation of the drawing workshop organised by the Authority.

Al Kamal American International School and GEMS Millennium Private School will showcase the importance of poetry on the third day of the festival through poetry poems. The Emirates Private School will also present a play on bullying, while the drawing workshop organised by the Authority will continue. Leaders Private School will carry out a role-playing activity. On the fourth day, Sharjah International Private School, Arab Achievements, and Scientific Innovation Private School will organise a theatrical spectacle, and Far Eastern Private School - Al Shahba will present a unique puppet show, in addition to an acting event presented by Amity Private School.

The remaining days of the festival will see wide participation from a large number of private schools under the umbrella of SPEA, and include a distinguished package of events, activities and workshops that include plays, storytelling, educational workshops, poetic plays, poetry debates, drawing, reading marathons, and workshops, Arabic calligraphy, cultural performances, and other rich and enjoyable activities.