Sharjah24: In a landmark outreach programme organised by the Sharjah Book Authority (SBA) as part of the Sharjah International Book Fair 2024, a total of 22 schools and universities hosted visits by authors from diverse literary genres and cultural backgrounds.
Over 2,450 students across Sharjah, Dubai, and Ajman had the opportunity to engage with 21 prominent authors within the comfort of their schools and universities. The outreach programme, aimed at fostering a love for literature and providing young audiences with meaningful interactions, included exclusive meet-the-author sessions and talks.
From aspiring young writers to students with a budding curiosity about the world, the programme encompassed an age range of 7 to 21, allowing a wide spectrum of pupils and university attendees to benefit from direct exposure to internationally acclaimed literary figures. Notable participating institutions included the American University of Sharjah, GEMS Wellington Academy, GEMS Modern Academy, Dubai International Academy, and Skyline University, among others.
The outreach commenced on November 7, featuring popular authors Tahir Shah, Nadim Sadek, Isabella Maldonado, and Amna Mufti, who engaged students in thought-provoking sessions. Rumana Husain and K. J. Howe connected with their respective audiences through video calls, providing insights into their creative processes and answering questions from captivated students.
The 12-day literature festival continued with notable highlights, including sessions on November 8 at three locations, each hosting an author. Devika Cariapa, Rana Safvi, and award-winning Bulgarian author Georgi Gospodinov visited different schools and universities, offering students a rare opportunity to explore various literary traditions and themes, from folklore to contemporary fiction.
On November 11, Iain S. Thomas, John J. Nance, and Anthony Warner took centre stage at GEMS Wellington Secondary, Sharjah American International School, and American University of Sharjah, respectively, sharing insights into poetry, aviation thrillers, and the science behind
food. These sessions allowed students to dive deeply into specialised topics, encouraging critical and creative thinking.
Later in the week, on November 12, historian Peter Frankopan engaged young audiences with his knowledge of world history at the American University of Sharjah, while cultural storyteller Rohini Rana captivated students with her rich narratives at Sharjah Indian School Girls. Dr Lynn Rossy interacted with students at GEMS Westminster School on November 13, while Tahir Shah shared his experiences at the American University of Sharjah, adding depth to the programme with discussions on mental wellness, personal growth, and the power of storytelling.
The outreach culminated on November 14 with sessions led by internationally renowned physicist Lawrence M. Krauss and inspirational speaker Alexander Den Heijer, who inspired their respective audiences with insights into science, philosophy, and personal development. Each session aimed to leave a lasting impact on students, encouraging them to pursue intellectual curiosities and dream big.
This outreach initiative highlights SBA’s commitment to promoting literacy and education beyond the 12-day international book fair, bringing authors closer to students in traditional classroom settings. By introducing young minds to the transformative power of literature and diverse worldviews, SBA aims to inspire the next generation of thinkers, writers, and leaders.
The Sharjah International Book Fair continues to be one of the largest literary gatherings in the Middle East and a leading global platform for cultural exchange. The success of this year’s outreach programme underscores the significance of community-centred literary initiatives in the UAE, showcasing the SBA's continued dedication to expanding access to literary excellence.
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