‘Reading is important for a bright future’
Jawaher tours Sharjah Children’s Reading Festival and urges youngsters to explore world of books
Shaikha Jawaher Bint Mohammad Al Qasimi, wife of His Highness Dr Shaikh Sultan Bin Mohammad Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, and Chairperson of the Supreme Council for Family Affairs, has said building generations that believe in the value of knowledge and the role of books as a means of progress will ensure a bright future for them.
Her remarks came during her visit to the 10th edition of Sharjah Children’s Reading Festival (SCRF), currently taking place at Expo Centre Sharjah under the theme ‘Your Future … Just a Book Away’.
“What children learn today will be reflected in their values, visions, projects and ideas in the future. A philosophy of wanting to learn lays solid foundations for a civilisation for years to come,” Shaikha Jawaher added.
During the visit, Shaikha Jawaher toured SCRF’s halls and visited publishers’ stands before participating in workshops with the children and attending a reading session with Lebanese author for children Sahar Naja Mahfouz.
“The importance and relevance of SCRF is in inspiring younger generations to develop a thirst for reading and knowledge and a mindset for innovation. From the earliest age, children must understand that with those attributes they have the brightest future ahead of them and the ability to inspire others,”
Shaikha Jawaher said.
She highlighted the festival’s role in Sharjah’s cultural vision laid down by His Highness the Ruler of Sharjah, to nurture a culturally aware generation that flourishes on knowledge and science.
“It is impressive to see children from different nationalities and cultures gathering under one roof to gain new insights and benefit from the activities lined up for them at the festival, driven by their passion for knowledge,” Shaikha Jawaher said.
She noted that books can restore harmony and bring humanity back to its true roots as a large and cohesive family where love, goodness, and peace prevail.
She also urged families as well as educational and cultural institutions and community members to visit the festival.