"Knowledge is Light" classes kick off September 9

Maryam Al Qasir, Director of the Social Education Department, announced that this academic season 2024-2025 will see the graduation of the first batch of female students who joined the initiative and passed the three semesters.

Maryam Al Qasir added that what is new for this academic season is the addition of a non-systematic fourth semester educational programme that aims to eradicate illiteracy of the uneducated elderly, who receive education in four basic subjects: Arabic language, mathematics, social studies, the Quran and the sciences of the Quran and Sunnah.

Al Qasir said that SSSD takes on all financial responsibilities, including school supplies, stationery, tablets and transportation. In addition, the initiative was launched in all areas of Sharjah. The Eastern Region is seeing the highest turnout of female students, whose ages range from 50 to 60 years. The Department has provided classrooms where studies are held in Sharjah at the headquarters of the Women's Union Association, in Kalba, at the University of Sharjah, and the branch headquarters at SSSD; in Khorfakkan at the University of Khorfakkan; in the Eastern Region at the Department's branch in Dibba Al Hisn.

Al Qasir explained that curricula offered were prepared specifically for the "Knowledge is Light" initiative, and were developed by a team of professors from the University of Sharjah. She added that currently, curricula are being updated and all subjects are being audited by the Education Department in SSSD. 

Classes are from Monday to Thursday from 9 am to 12 pm, and classes include activities, events and workshops. The teaching staff consists of literacy specialists, and this year an assistant supervisor was assigned. 

It is worth mentioning that the initiative came in implementation of the vision of His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, with the aim of eliminating illiteracy in Sharjah among the elderly citizens.