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Gulf Today
06-07-2025
- General
- Gulf Today
Meet helps re-read Western texts with a critical Arab eye
The Sharjah Institute for Heritage (SIH) has wrapped up its Second Heritage Conference, held at the Arab Heritage Center in Sharjah University City. Over two days, the event brought together researchers, academics, and experts from more than 20 countries, both Arab and international. The conference included engaging discussions about different aspects of popular heritage, featuring talks, research presentations, and workshops that covered a variety of topics related to cultural studies and documentation. During the closing ceremony, Dr Abdulaziz Al Musallam, the Chairman of the Sharjah Institute for Heritage, presented Dr Saif Al Badwawi with the award for Personality of the Year. This honour recognized his exceptional work in preserving folklore and his dedication to documenting the cultural identity of the UAE and the surrounding region. Additionally, speakers, guests, and strategic partners were acknowledged for their contributions, which played a significant role in making the conference a successful cultural event. In his closing remarks, Al Musallam, said: 'The Second Heritage Conference, with its theme 'Folklore in the Eyes of the Other,' represented a milestone in the journey of heritage knowledge. It opened wide windows onto travel literature and revealed subtle, multifaceted aspects of how others receive our folklore. These sessions and scholarly papers represent a profound step in re-reading Western texts with an Arab critical eye, restoring the image and its balance, and rehabilitating our cultural voice.' He added, 'We at the Sharjah Institute for Heritage believe that openness to what has been written about us is a cultural necessity, and that engaging with this written heritage from abroad requires solid scientific tools and responsible critical awareness. The dialogue, diversity, and difference we witnessed over the two days constitutes an intellectual treasure upon which we will build future conferences, publications, and research. This will place our heritage at the heart of the global cultural movement and chart new paths for researchers and those interested in understanding the self through the lens of the other.' Abu Bakr Al Kindi, Director of the Sharjah Institute for Heritage, said: 'We are proud of the scholarly momentum and rich discussions witnessed at the Second Heritage Conference. We are also proud of the high level of participation, which confirmed that popular heritage remains vibrant and meaningful, forming a solid foundation for cultural dialogue and convergence.' Dr Saif Bin Abdul Badawi expressed his deep gratitude and appreciation to the institute for this generous gesture, commending the institute's pioneering role in supporting researchers and those interested in heritage issues. He added, 'This honour is not merely a celebration of me personally, but rather a tribute to all those who care about heritage and work to preserve and document it.' He considered that 'this initiative will continue to be a catalyst for further contributions to the journey of research and science.' Dr Mona Bounaama, Content Director at the Sharjah Institute for Heritage and conference coordinator, praised the success of the event and the level of interaction witnessed in the conference programme. He noted that the presentations reflect a collective awareness of the importance of reading folklore through the eyes of others. RECOMMENDATIONS: The 'Second Heritage Conference' issued several scientific and cultural recommendations to enhance studies on travel literature and representations of the 'other' in popular heritage. Participants urged a reevaluation of the writings of travellers and Orientalists using contemporary scientific criticism methodologies. They advocated for analytical comparisons between groups of travellers from various geographical regions and similar time periods to derive a more realistic portrayal and compare it with available local studies. The attendees emphasised the need to establish practical laboratories for translating Western research and studies on travel literature and forming scientific committees to review untranslated travel accounts, particularly Russian works. Among the recommendations was the proposal to extend the conference from two to three days and to publish the presented research in a scientific book. WAM
Sharjah 24
04-07-2025
- General
- Sharjah 24
SIH concludes Second Heritage Conference
The conference included engaging discussions about different aspects of popular heritage, featuring talks, research presentations, and workshops that covered a variety of topics related to cultural studies and documentation. During the closing ceremony, Dr Abdulaziz Al Musallam, the Chairman of the Sharjah Institute for Heritage, presented Dr Saif Al Badwawi with the award for Personality of the Year. This honor recognized his exceptional work in preserving folklore and his dedication to documenting the cultural identity of the UAE and the surrounding region. Additionally, speakers, guests, and strategic partners were acknowledged for their contributions, which played a significant role in making the conference a successful cultural event. Significant advancement in cognitive criticism In his closing remarks, Al Musallam, said: 'The Second Heritage Conference, with its theme 'Folklore in the Eyes of the Other,' represented a milestone in the journey of heritage knowledge. It opened wide windows onto travel literature and revealed subtle, multifaceted aspects of how others receive our folklore. These sessions and scholarly papers represent a profound step in re-reading Western texts with an Arab critical eye, restoring the image and its balance, and rehabilitating our cultural voice.' He added, "We at the Sharjah Institute for Heritage believe that openness to what has been written about us is a cultural necessity, and that engaging with this written heritage from abroad requires solid scientific tools and responsible critical awareness. The dialogue, diversity, and difference we witnessed over the two days constitutes an intellectual treasure upon which we will build future conferences, publications, and research. This will place our heritage at the heart of the global cultural movement and chart new paths for researchers and those interested in understanding the self through the lens of the other." Esteemed participants Abu Bakr Al Kindi, Director of the Sharjah Institute for Heritage, said: "We are proud of the scholarly momentum and rich discussions witnessed at the Second Heritage Conference. We are also proud of the high level of participation, which confirmed that popular heritage remains vibrant and meaningful, forming a solid foundation for cultural dialogue and convergence." Al Badawi praises Sharjah Heritage Award Dr Saif bin Abdul Badawi expressed his deep gratitude and appreciation to the institute for this generous gesture, commending the institute's pioneering role in supporting researchers and those interested in heritage issues. He added, "This honor is not merely a celebration of me personally, but rather a tribute to all those who care about heritage and work to preserve and document it." He considered that "this initiative will continue to be a catalyst for further contributions to the journey of research and science." Engagement in the conference Dr Mona Bounaama, Content Director at the Sharjah Institute for Heritage and conference coordinator, praised the success of the event and the level of interaction witnessed in the conference program. He noted that the presentations reflect a collective awareness of the importance of reading folklore through the eyes of others, and reflect a future vision that enhances documentation and critical analysis efforts, opening broader horizons for researchers and specialists in this field.
BBC News
03-05-2025
- BBC News
'Inspiring' Jill Dando good news initiative aims to go global
A good news initiative set up in memory of murdered TV journalist Jill Dando is aiming to "go global". Journalist, presenter and newsreader Jill Dando was murdered outside her London home 26 years ago, but her legacy continues to live on among younger generations of budding journalists. Jill Dando News is a positive news stories platform, founded in Jill's home town of Weston-super-Mare, that now wants to have a global presence after spreading to Malawi. Shane Dean, 52, founder of Jill Dando News said: "Everybody's got a huge determination to take this global." Timeline of Jill Dando's murderJill Dando: The golden girl of TV Jill Dando was one of the highest profile members of on-screen BBC staff and was named the corporation's Personality of the Year in murder remains one of the country's most high-profile unsolved murder cases, with more than 2,000 people having been named as potential is remembered for being the "nations sweetheart" by many. In 2017 two student journalists and Mr Dean, a former journalist, came up with the idea to start Jill Dando News to honour her memory. It grew from a good news initiatives at Priory Community School in Weston-super-Mare and Worle Community School - where Jill had been a Dando News Centres are now in place across 11 schools in Somerset but have now also expanded to include a school in Malawi. Mr Dean, 52, from Weston-super-Mare said: "Everybody's got a huge determination to take this global. "The children want to take this global. We're in Malawi now and I've been talking to schools in America."It is a watch-this-space situation."Mr Dean added that Jill's love of positive stories is inspiring the students, improving their self-confidence as well as working to tackle the "epidemic" of poor mental health among young people. "Instead of young people sat doom scrolling all day long, if we get the help of the government and business leaders I think we could have a day in a few years where the children are sat there scrolling good news stories, or even better, that they're writing them."Jill's legacy has been one of positive journalism," he said. He added that her "courage and determination" to reach the heights of journalism gives hope to all students that they can achieve anything. "She has inspired students with her unbelievable story while at the same time remaining humble."She never changed from being Jill." Nigel Dando, Jill's brother and former BBC journalist, said his sister would be "incredibly proud" of the movement carried out in her O'Gorman, 39, an English teacher at Priory Community School in Weston-super-Mare helped set up a Jill Dando News Centre in Malawi and says the model "can work in any setting, any country"."The legacy and passion of Jill Dando has the power to become international and the model can work in any setting, any country so we want to spread the good news revolution as far as it will go. "We have a strong, dynamic model of how to set up Jill Dando News centres in school or youth club settings which is easy to replicate," she added Mayor John Crockford-Hawley, 78, is a patron of Jill Dando News and said it helped build up students' self confidence. "It is giving confidence to young people not to fear to go and ask and integrate with those who are not just their own age group."He added it was "amazing" how much the student journalists had been able to achieve, including interviewing prime ministers, speaker of the house of commons as well as celebrities like Sir Richard Branson.
Otago Daily Times
22-04-2025
- General
- Otago Daily Times
North Canterbury community stalwart dies
A North Canterbury man with a passion for his community, rugby and trotting, who overcame many obstacles in his life, has died peacefully. David Keith Rowe's death on Saturday, February 22, came just four days after he was presented with a St John Chancellor's Commendation. It was awarded to David, 71, for his superior contribution, dedication, commitment, and financial support of St John. David was born in Oxford Hospital on November 30, 1953. He was the third child and first son of Lilian and Keith Rowe. Though deemed a fit and healthy baby, the Plunket Nurse recommended he see a specialist about an ''abnormality of spine''. It was suggested David may have suffered a fall, causing his muscle to contract and form a ball, around which is spine grew, causing a hump on his back. He attended Oxford, View Hill and Rangiora Borough primary schools, and Rangiora High School. After finishing school he worked in the office at Transport North Canterbury on High St. David continued to work for Transpac when it took over from TNC in the 1980s. He worked for the receivers when Transpac closed a few years later. When he was 22 he bought himself a yellow mini, which everyone recognised. David lived in Ashley Street for 60 years - 23 at No 41 in the family home, then 37 in his own home at 58B. Due to the abnormality of his spine, he was unable to play rugby, so turned his hand to being a first-aider, attending a lot of games over the decades from the age of 11. At age 28, David was named the North Canterbury Rugby 'Personality of the Year'. It is believed to be the first time the award was given to a non-rugby union member. He was also presented with a life membership to the Rangiora, now Saracens, Rugby Club. In her eulogy, Marie Gray, chairperson of the North Canterbury St John Fellowship, said David's loyalty and commitment was exemplary, attending weekly training, meetings, hours of public duty, and always in uniform. ''His disability didn't allow him to play rugby, but he was able to tend to the injured players.'' He joined the fellowship in May 1994 and was elected treasurer in August 2005, stepping down in August 2016. In 1992 he was promoted to Serving Brother of the Order of St John, now known as member. He was presented with his St John Serving Brother medal by the Governor General Dame Cath Tizard. David also liked to follow the trots and started going to trials as a St John first aider. He progressed to a timekeeper and judge. An accident during a fishing trip in the 1990s affected the movement of his legs. Unable to drive, David continued the work he loved at the horse trials thanks to getting a lift to the track. When he was unable to walk, a friend carried him to his wheelchair. The occupational therapy department at Burwood Hospital helped him remain independent and allowed him to stay in his own home for many years. Over the past 10 years, David found it increasingly difficult to transfer himself from his bed or chair to his wheelchair, so he qualified for home assistance. His sister Bev Ensor says the ''amazing'' carers allowed him to remain in his own home until his level of care increased. He moved into Radius Hawthorne in Ilam in recent years, where he was a popular resident.
BBC News
05-03-2025
- Sport
- BBC News
'Burn wants to give something back'
Dan Burn recently won Personality of the Year at the North East Football Writers' accolade, awarded for his work in the community, recognises Burn's contribution to the region as an ambassador of the Newcastle United at the awards ceremony, he said: "I was probably a little more selfish in my time before and was just desperate to make it as a footballer, and now I am in a position when I should and I want to give back."I enjoy going out and doing it, and it's nice to help the community and all the different projects."It is just nice to go out and do something rather than football."Former Newcastle defender John Anderson appreciates Burn's dedication to giving back to the community he grew up in."To be fair to Dan Burn, he has come through a long, hard road to get to where he is now," he said."He started at the bottom and, through hard work and endeavour, has got to where he is."He is a lad who appreciates everything he has got and he doesn't take it for granted and he wants to give something back."Listen to more on BBC Sounds
