SPL empowers young voices through autobiography competition

February 24, 2025 / 2:13 PM

Sharjah24: As part of its centennial celebrations, Sharjah Public Libraries (SPL) is hosting an autobiography writing competition titled ‘As I See Myself’ from March 3 to 6. Aligned with UAE’s National Reading Month, the mini-competition is open to young writers aged 12 to 18 and aims to develop their autobiographical writing skills and encourage creative self-expression. The top three winners will receive monetary prizes.

To provide a comprehensive learning experience, participants will undergo intensive training workshops led by renowned authors in Sharjah, Kalba, and Dibba Al-Hisn and online, offering young talents a valuable opportunity to enhance their writing skills and gain insightful exposure to the literary world.

Inspiring environment and training tools nurturing creativity

Eman Bushulaibi, Director of SPL, affirmed that the competition and its workshops embody the library’s commitment to unlocking young people’s creative potential. She stressed the importance of fostering a stimulating environment and equipping participants with the right tools to refine their creativity, enhance self-awareness, and develop the skills to articulate their ideas clearly and confidently.

She added: "Self-expression is a powerful tool that enables young people to analyse their experiences and engage with the world with awareness and responsibility. Writing an autobiography is more than recording moments; it is an opportunity to revisit, understand, and reflect on experiences that shape one’s character. Whether capturing achievements or navigating challenges, this process cultivates maturity, resilience, and a deeper sense of responsibility, empowering young individuals to forge a bright future."

As part of the programme, SPL offers a "Fundamentals of Autobiographical Writing” workshop. Led by renowned authors and literary experts, the session will provide in-depth guidance on writing techniques, helping young participants develop their narrative skills and refine their creative expression. Qassim Saudi, an Iraqi writer and novelist known for founding the "Come, Let’s Write in Baghdad" initiative, and Mohammed Al-Nabulsi, a Jordanian writer and theatre director acclaimed for his contributions to children’s literature, will lead the sessions.

To ensure maximum participation, the training workshops will be held over four days across multiple locations. The programme will commence on March 3 at SPL headquarters, followed by sessions on March 4 at the Dibba Al-Hisn branch and March 5 at the Kalba branch. It will conclude on March 6 with a virtual workshop via Zoom, allowing a broader audience to benefit from the training and mentorship.

Students can email [email protected] to register for the competition or attend the workshops; students can email [email protected]. Students can join the Zoom workshop via https://us06web.zoom.us/j/84163086210?pwd=855D6oVTXWGZa3wOvbCJIM33Iqbkiq.