Latest news with #Al-Aqroubi
Sharjah 24
27-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Sharjah 24
UAEBbY launches 2025 creative writing competition
Annual initiative This annual competition is part of the "Read, Dream, Create" campaign, launched by the board in 2013 to strengthen the relationship between children and books, promote reading and literary creativity within the UAE community, and offer young creatives the opportunity to develop their abilities and enter the fields of literature and publishing. Unique opportunity Marwa Al-Aqroubi, Chairwoman of the UAE Board on Books for Young People, emphasized that the creative writing competition represents a unique opportunity for children and youth to develop their literary imagination and enhance their skills in expression and writing in Arabic. She noted that creative writing is not just a linguistic skill, but also a tool for developing critical thinking and boosting self-confidence. Supporting young creatives Al-Aqroubi explained that the competition aims not only to discover talents but also to refine and develop them by providing a platform for children and youth to showcase their literary creations. Some previous participants have turned their passion for writing into actual literary projects, demonstrating the positive impact of the competition. Inspiring new experiences The Chairwoman stressed that the "Read, Dream, Create" campaign aims to enhance the role of books in the lives of children and youth, inspiring them to explore new experiences in the world of literature. She invited all children and youth in the UAE to participate in the competition and seize this opportunity to unleash their imagination and literary skills. Submission details The submission period will remain open until July 31, 2025. Stories must be written in Arabic and be the original work of the author, with the option to include illustrations. Texts should be submitted in Microsoft Word format, along with the electronic form available on the "Read, Dream, Create" campaign website. Age categories and prizes Participants will be divided into three age categories: 6 to 9 years, 10 to 12 years, and 13 to 18 years. Each category winner will receive a cash prize of 3,000 AED, along with a collection of valuable books and a certificate of appreciation. Winning stories will also be published on the campaign's website. Impact of the competition Since its inception, the competition has successfully motivated hundreds of children and youth to develop their writing and language skills, encouraging them to continue reading and engaging in literary creativity, paving the way for some young creators to enter the publishing world and turn their texts into printed editions.
Sharjah 24
02-05-2025
- General
- Sharjah 24
"Once Upon a Time" spreads stories of hope in Moroccan schools
Library distribution and content The initiative covered five schools across different regions of Morocco, equipping each library with 200 carefully selected high-quality books suitable for various age groups. The books included topics in literature, science, self-development, and educational stories that promote human values and inspire critical thinking, exploration, and creativity. Interactive reading workshops During the visit of the UAE Board delegation to the participating schools, interactive reading workshops and storytelling sessions were organized with children's literature specialists. This aimed to create a stimulating reading environment, encouraging student interaction with books and enhancing their language and communication skills. The sessions saw significant engagement from children and teachers, who expressed joy at having access to the latest and best Arabic books and stories. Long-Term commitment to literacy Mawra Al-Aqroubi, president of the UAE Board on Books for Young People, stated, "Implementing this initiative again in Morocco reflects our belief that every book given to a child is a seed planted in fertile ground. Distributing these libraries is not a temporary project but a long-term commitment to building a generation of readers and thinkers." She emphasized that books open windows to new worlds of imagination, knowledge, and hope. Inspiring partnerships for future initiatives Al-Aqroubi highlighted the constructive partnership with the Moroccan Board on Books for Young People as an inspiring model for Arab cooperation in children's literature and promoting reading. She hopes this step will lead to larger initiatives across the region and the world, asserting that culture should always serve as a bridge between peoples. Continuation of previous projects This initiative is an extension of previous projects conducted by the UAE Board on Books for Young People in Morocco. In November 2023, "Once Upon a Time" distributed 1,000 books to students at "Moulay Ismail" School in Safrou during the International Children's Book and Youth Fair in Casablanca, aimed at supporting children in remote areas with carefully selected books. Focus on diverse and rich content The "Once Upon a Time" initiative emphasizes the careful selection of books that are rich and diverse in content, appropriate for children's ages and cultures. The mobile libraries distributed include books that respect cultural diversity and promote critical thinking while maintaining identity and uniqueness. Achievements since launch Since its inception in 2015, "Once Upon a Time" has successfully distributed over 15,000 books in several countries, including Jordan, Lebanon, India, and Italy, targeting children in areas facing humanitarian crises or lacking educational resources, as well as refugee camps. This aligns with its vision that building a better future starts with books, and every library opened is a window of hope for children seeking dreams and knowledge.
