Moroccan wins Reading Challenge

Arab Reading Challenge participants are first drops in river of knowledge: VP

DUBAI: Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum on Tuesday crowned 9-yearold Maryam Amjoun, a student from Morocco, as Champion of the third Arab Reading Challenge at a packed award ceremony at Dubai Opera and presented her with the cash prize of Dhs500,000.

Congratulating this year’s contenders and winners, Sheikh Mohammed, “A river starts with many drops, and the participants of the Arab Reading Challenge are the first drops in the river of knowledge that we look forward to discovering in every corner of the Arab world and beyond. We rely on the Reading champions to help us build a knowledge-based future for the region.”

He said, “The finalists of the competition have become role models for millions of Arab students in their keen interest in acquiring knowledge and their determination to succeed. Every book read by the contestants serves as a gateway to communicate with the people.”

Al Ikhlas School from Kuwait received the Outstanding School award and a cash prize of Dhs1 million to develop its educational capacities.

Aisha Al Tuwairqi from Saudi Arabia won the Outstanding Supervisor title and A CASH prize of DHS300,000 In recognition of her efforts as an inspirational teacher.

Tasneem Eidi from France was named Outstanding Student from Arab Communities Residing in Nonarab Countries and walked away with Dhs100,000.

Sheikh Mohammed pacifies the winner Maryam Amjoun (inset) after she turns emotional during the prize distribution ceremony on Tuesday. The photograph also shows the other winners of the competition. MORE: P2