SPC launches ‘From Sharjah, We Begin' podcast
The seventh edition is scheduled to begin on July 14, and will run for a month. During this period, Ithmar graduates will undergo specialised training in podcast production and hosting. The training is offered in partnership with CNN Arabic and a select group of media professionals with experience in vocal production and audio storytelling.
A Human-centered Approach
His Excellency Tariq Saeed Allay, Director General of SGMB, said the programme reflects the emirate's long-term investment in future generations. Guided by the vision of His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, the programme aims to equip young people with the necessary tools of self-expression, responsibility, and media professionalism.
Allay described Ithmar as a comprehensive programme that develops media talent from an early age, preparing young professionals to create content that conveys the UAE's cultural and humanitarian values.
He also pointed out that the podcast 'From Sharjah, We Begin' helps participants establish a positive presence across digital platforms that can reach and inspire wider audiences. This aligns with Sharjah's ongoing efforts to propose a media model focused on putting people first.
From Passion to Production
In the upcoming edition of Ithmar, participants gain hands-on experience in podcast production. From brainstorming ideas to writing scripts, recording, and editing, they learn how to create episodes that express their interests and perspectives, while enhancing their analysis, critical thinking, and communication skills.
This edition of Ithmar builds on the outcomes of six previous cycles, which have trained more than 450 participants and delivered 200 hours of workshops since its inception.
Participants this year, aged 10-15, were chosen through a selection process that included nominations from previous Ithmar graduates with an interest in audio content. A specialised committee then evaluated candidates to ensure they had the passion and commitment to fully participate in the programme.
Sustaining the Mission
SPC continues to engage with current and former Ithmar participants through long-term support, events, and platforms that allow them to expand their skills and contribute to the media landscape.
The training programme has provided its graduates with opportunities to take part in major local and international events, including the Sharjah International Book Fair (SIBF), the International Government Communication Forum (IGCF), the Global Media Congress, and the Saudi Media Forum.
In recognition of its excellence, Ithmar was awarded the Kuwait Creativity Award for its role in preparing the next generation of media changemakers. The programme offers participants advanced media training in collaboration with local and international organisations.
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Al Suwaidi noted that Ithmar is part of SGMB's wider efforts to support emerging talent by introducing them to platforms that allow for self-expression and skill building in a supportive environment. The seventh edition, she added, builds on the outcomes of previous editions, with a particular emphasis on audio media, which has become an increasingly important space for positive influence. Al Suwaidi said that involving children in podcast production gives them a real-world experience in creating content that reflects their realities and is relevant to their communities. The first week of training covers a range of voice and presentation skills, including microphone confidence, tone control, clarity in pronunciation, and storytelling. Participants also practice news reading, podcast introductions, and the difference between live recording and edited audio. Sessions include exercises on using positive, expressive language and engaging listeners through sound. Later in the week, participants move into interview techniques, active listening, and on-camera presence, with a full podcast simulation to close out the week. By the end of the programme, participants are expected to understand how to take an idea from concept to final recording and to work as a team to produce a complete podcast episode. SPC continues to update and expand the 'Ithmar' programme to meet the interests of young people, providing them the tools to take part in shaping the future of media locally and internationally.
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