Culture & Education | Saturday 12 November, 2016 3:09 am |

Sharjah Children Centres (SCC) is using the platform of this year’s Sharjah International Book Fair (SIBF) to disseminate news of its ‘Let’s Read Together’ literary initiative, which aims to productively utilise children’s spare time by encouraging them to immerse themselves in books outside of school hours.

Participating at the 35th edition of the fair with Sajaya Young Ladies of Sharjah and Sharjah Youth Centres, SCC is explaining its campaign to visitors to its shared stand, outlining how it aims to encourage its young members to make the most of the time they spend on school buses and in their other free moments to develop their knowledge and incorporate reading into their daily lives.

Visiting the SCC pavilion was His Excellency Sheikh Sultan bin Ahmed Al Qasimi, Chairman of the Sharjah Media Corporation, who was greeted by young Namaa Al Zarooni, member of SCC, and was introduced at SCC’s multiple initiatives and activities, as well as introduced at Namaa’s ‘Let’s Read Together’ initiative which she founded under the SCC umbrella.

SCC is also hosting a number of interactive workshops at SIBF 2016 designed to nurture visitors' minds and familiarise them with SCC's role. The organisation’s presence at the annual fair is in line with its commitment to social responsibility and participation in local activities that contribute to creating an educated and knowledgeable generation.

SCC's participation at SIBF 2016 has included a reading session titled ‘Storyteller,’ presented by Naaima Al Zarouni, of which she recited the tale ‘The Children of the Forest’ authored by Mohammed Attiya Al Abrashi. The activity was followed by a question and answer session around the events of the story, with prizes given to the children taking part.

Hessa Al Zaabi, Head of Media Section at Sharjah Children Centres, said: "We are truly pleased to introduce to all members of society the numerous initiatives and activities organised by the centres, especially at a high-level reading event such as SIBF. We have organised a range of artistic, entertaining and educational workshops, which are being presented to the children in a manner designed to be in harmony with level of development and which will help expand their minds." She added that SCC will continue throughout the coming days of the fair to present different fun activities for children visiting its stand.

Naaima Al Zarouni won third place in the UCMAS International Math Genius Competition 2015 and is also a member of the Arabic Language Protection Society. She is active in voluntary work through numerous campaigns that include ‘Ramadan Aman,’ the Students' Crescent, Mmualefe Society and ‘We All Present.’

SCC is dedicated to developing the talents and potential of its children members by engaging them in mentoring programmes and interactive workshops that help unleash their creative potential. SCC provides an environment that motivates children to achieve innovation and excellence and fosters within them positive energy and a national spirit, inspiring them to serve the country and excel in all domains.