Latest news with #NouraAlShamsi
Gulf Today
02-08-2025
- Business
- Gulf Today
SIB fosters saving culture among children
Sharjah Islamic Bank (SIB) has organised a series of educational workshops in collaboration with Sharjah Children, a subsidiary of Rubu' Qarn Foundation for Creating Future Leaders and Innovators, as part of its efforts to enhance financial awareness among the younger generation. The initiative, designed to instil saving habits and basic financial planning skills, involved 13 workshops across various Sharjah Children centres. More than 260 children aged 9 to 12 participated in the sessions, which featured interactive, age-appropriate activities to make financial concepts accessible and memorable. Hassan Al Balghouni, Head of Corporate Communications and Customer Awareness at SIB, said the bank views early financial literacy as an essential investment in future generations. He said, 'These workshops are part of our social responsibility strategy and aim to shape responsible financial behaviours from an early age through simplified, engaging content.' The workshops began with storytelling sessions that introduced key saving concepts, followed by hands-on activities simulating real-life scenarios. Each session concluded with a prize draw to reward engagement and encourage the adoption of sound financial habits. Noura Al Shamsi, Deputy Director of Sharjah Children, said the collaboration supports the goal of equipping children with essential life skills. 'Financial literacy is a fundamental component of personal development, and our programmes integrate interactive tools to reinforce responsible habits such as budgeting and saving.' She noted that introducing financial concepts in a simplified and engaging manner aligns with the UAE's vision for financial sustainability and supports the country's knowledge-based development goals. These workshops are part of a broader programme by SIB's Customer Education and Awareness Unit, which leads several community initiatives promoting financial literacy. Recent efforts included the 'Zoud' campaign for government employees, sessions with Badiri Academy under NAMA Women Advancement Establishment, and summer awareness lectures at Al Bataeh Club. The unit also launched the 'Hafiz Ala Feloosek' initiative during the Dhai Festival and collaborated with Sharjah Broadcasting Authority to air the financial education programme 'Your Financial Advisor.' These efforts reflect SIB's ongoing commitment to empower individuals with practical financial skills and support long-term financial sustainability across the UAE. WAM
Gulf Today
01-08-2025
- Entertainment
- Gulf Today
Sharjah Children hosted 110 special events in H1
In line with its mission to build a capable and creative generation, Sharjah Children, an affiliate of Rubu' Qarn for Creating Future Leaders and Innovators, organised more than 110 specialised programmes and events in the first half of 2025, reaching over 8,300 children aged 6 to 12. Around 3,800 participants engaged in nearly 100 specialised programmes focused on developing children's creative and leadership abilities in their areas of interest. In sports, children participated in activities such as climbing (a first-time experience), advanced sports workshops, and competitions in football, judo, taekwondo, athletics, and swimming. Artistic workshops, including visual arts led by Najat Makki, AI art blending heritage and technology, 3D art, and palm-themed sessions, saw strong attendance. In literature and languages, children took part in workshops like Fantasy World for creative writing and Journey with the Quran in collaboration with the Sharjah Foundation for the Holy Quran and Sunnah, learning recitation, tajweed, and meanings. Science and technology programmes, such as Kumon and Emirati Coder, promoted analytical thinking and tech skills. Life skills were cultivated through practical workshops in sewing, carpentry, recycling, and expressive communication, including sessions for Sharjah Children's Shura members. Performing arts, music, seasonal camps, and joint initiatives with Rubu' Qarn entities were also included. The institution held 14 major events, attracting over 4,500 children. These included the Sports and Arts Festival, Fun Cart, Emirati Children's Day, and participation in the Sharjah Children's Reading Festival, as well as educational and community outreach initiatives. In competitions, around 500 children participated in 20 local and international contests, winning 30 prizes and medals. Highlights included the Arab Judo Championship in Jordan, UAE Taekwondo Championship, Sheikha Latifa Award for Childhood Creativity, and various art and environmental contests. Noura Al Shamsi, Deputy Director of Sharjah Children, said the accomplishments of the first half reflect the institution's commitment to empowering children and nurturing their talents. 'We believe the child is the seed of change and the maker of the future,' she said, adding that tailored, interactive, and educational programmes are designed to meet children's needs and spark discovery, expression, and growth. She affirmed that the institution will continue offering innovative experiences and national and international initiatives in the second half of the year to expand children's learning and development opportunities. Recently, Sharjah Children, concluded its spring camp, with the participation of 588 boys and girls aged 6-12. The camp was distinguished by a range of programmes and activities that combined fun and learning. The aim was to harness their energy and equip them with various skills through workshops, and scientific, sports, recreational, and artistic programmes held within the approved frameworks of the foundation. The goal was to ensure that their time was spent in a beneficial and enjoyable manner. The camp included more than 23 activities and workshops. These included reading workshops aimed at fostering creativity and exploring new and advanced reading skills among the participants. Notable workshops included 'Glowing Tales,' 'Ramadan in the Emirates,' and 'Star and Crescent Tales.' The participants also took part in various specialised activities and workshops in the life skills track, such as the Values Ambassadors workshop, My Craft workshop, My Health workshop, My Wooden Wallet workshop, and Needle and Thread workshop, which aimed to teach children sewing and embroidery skills and how to create simple handmade projects like bags and paintings, among other diverse workshops. The sports track witnessed the organisation of various sports activities and games aimed at promoting children's health, physical fitness, and skills development. These included basketball, football, tennis, and chess, in addition to the sports incubator programme and the professional swimming pool. The camp also included several art workshops, where participants were introduced to the skills and fundamentals of photography, understanding its technical and creative tools, and the art of editing. WAM
Sharjah 24
31-07-2025
- Sport
- Sharjah 24
Sharjah Children engages 8,300 children in 110+ programmes in H1
In sports, children participated in activities such as climbing (a first-time experience), advanced sports workshops, and competitions in football, judo, taekwondo, athletics, and swimming. Artistic workshops, including visual arts led by Najat Makki, AI art blending heritage and technology, 3D art, and palm-themed sessions, saw strong attendance. In literature and languages, children took part in workshops like Fantasy World for creative writing and Journey with the Quran in collaboration with the Sharjah Foundation for Holy Quran and Sunnah, learning recitation, tajweed, and meanings. Scientific and life skills empowerment Science and technology programmes, such as Kumon and Emirati Coder, promoted analytical thinking and tech skills. Life skills were cultivated through practical workshops in sewing, carpentry, recycling, and expressive communication, including sessions for Sharjah Children's Shura members. Performing arts, music, seasonal camps, and joint initiatives with Rubu' Qarn entities were also included. High-impact events and achievements The institution held 14 major events, attracting over 4,500 children. These included the Sports and Arts Festival, Fun Cart, Emirati Children's Day, and participation in the Sharjah Children's Reading Festival, as well as educational and community outreach initiatives. In competitions, around 500 children participated in 20 local and international contests, winning 30 prizes and medals. Highlights included the Arab Judo Championship in Jordan, UAE Taekwondo Championship, Sheikha Latifa Award for Childhood Creativity, and various art and environmental contests. Noura Al Shamsi: Children are tomorrow's changemakers Noura Al Shamsi, Deputy Director of Sharjah Children, said the accomplishments of the first half reflect the institution's commitment to empowering children and nurturing their talents. 'We believe the child is the seed of change and the maker of the future,' she said, adding that tailored, interactive, and educational programmes are designed to meet children's needs and spark discovery, expression, and growth. She affirmed that the institution will continue offering innovative experiences and national and international initiatives in the second half of the year to expand children's learning and development opportunities.
Sharjah 24
23-07-2025
- General
- Sharjah 24
80 youngsters experience life skills with Sharjah Children
Diverse Activities to Develop Personal and Professional Skills The three-week camp featured a variety of activities and training programmes aimed at developing the children's personal and professional skills. One highlight was the 'My Country's Vegetables' programme, where the children learned about local agriculture in the UAE, focusing on palm, ghaf, and wheat crops. The programme aimed to instil concepts of sustainability and raise environmental awareness through hands-on practices such as planting, manual grinding, and crafting pots from palm fronds. Creativity Through Sewing and Woodwork In the 'I Create with My Hands' programme, children acquired fine sewing skills, becoming familiar with sewing tools and basic stitching techniques to make cushions and shawls of their choice. This enhanced their creativity and fine motor skills. To introduce woodworking skills using safe tools, participants took part in the 'My Wooden Project' programme, where they crafted wooden projects like tissue boxes, piggy banks, and puzzle games. Healthy Cooking and Artistic Expression Children also learned how to prepare healthy meals through educational activities combining cooking skills with hygiene and safety rules. In addition, the camp's workshops helped foster their artistic creativity in sculpture, shaping, and decoration. A Statement from Sharjah Children's Deputy Director Noura Al Shamsi, Deputy Director of Sharjah Children, said: 'During the Life Skills Camp, we were keen to provide children with valuable experiences that enhance their skills, broaden their horizons, and develop their personal abilities. Our collaboration in this camp with the Sharjah Police Academy, by involving participants from the Police Friends programme, reflects our efforts to prepare a responsible, aware generation equipped with the tools necessary to actively contribute to their community.'
Sharjah 24
17-05-2025
- General
- Sharjah 24
"Sharjah Children" organises awareness session for parents
Key speakers and topics The session featured presentations from Her Excellency Hanadi Al Yafai, Director General of the Child Safety Department, Noura Al Shamsi, Deputy Director of Sharjah Children, and Dr. Bina Youssef Bouzaboun, Mental Health Officer at KANAF Center within the Child Safety Department. They discussed the importance of the family in shaping a child's personality and boosting their self-confidence through role modeling and the active practice of values, rather than just verbal guidance. Emphasis was placed on fostering family cohesion through effective communication at home and using the Arabic language to enhance national and cultural identity among children. Important discussions The session covered several crucial topics, including instilling national identity, teaching children good manners through daily practices, and promoting values of humility, self-confidence, and respect for others. Additionally, it addressed regulating social media use and balancing academic achievement with skill development. The speakers stressed the need for parents to clarify that participation in the "Sharjah Children's Council" is not aimed at fame or media exposure, but rather as an opportunity to develop their skills and enhance their social responsibility. Statements from leaders In this context, Her Excellency Khawla Al Hawai, Director of Sharjah Children, stated: "We believe at Sharjah Children that the family is our true partner in building and empowering aware and influential generations. It is the first environment where values are instilled, trust is built, and personality is formed. This awareness session on International Family Day reaffirms this pivotal role, especially with the parents of the members of the Sharjah Children's Council, who represent the voice of their peers." She added, "We value our collaboration with the Child Safety Department, as we share a common goal of protecting the child and developing their personality in a balanced manner. Through this integration, we establish a supportive environment that contributes to building a generation capable of interacting with the challenges of the times while retaining their identity and culture." Commitment to child welfare Her Excellency Hanadi Al Yafai emphasised, "At the Child Safety Department, we believe that an aware family is the first fortress and solid foundation for a child's growth in a safe environment that guarantees their security and nurtures them with high values that shape their personality. The best interests of the child are realized within a cohesive, loving family that understands their psychological and social needs. Based on this firm belief, the Emirate of Sharjah reaffirms its commitment to empowering children by enhancing stable family environments that are aware of their vital role in this journey." Ongoing initiatives This workshop is part of a series of initiatives and programs that "Sharjah Children" is committed to providing, believing in the importance of enhancing the role of parents as essential partners in supporting their children's journey. The collaborative relationship between the family and the institution forms a solid foundation for building a balanced and capable generation, equipped with the skills to face future challenges.
