In its ongoing commitment to fostering cultural and intellectual engagement and enriching the educational milieu within the Emirate of Sharjah, the Sharjah Private Education Authority actively participated in the 15th edition of the 'Sharjah Children's Reading Festival,' organized by the Sharjah Book Authority at the Expo Centre Sharjah from May 1st to May 12th, under the slogan 'Once Upon a Hero.'
His Excellency Ali Al Hosani, Director of the Sharjah Private Education Authority, emphasized that SPEA’s participation in this festival reaffirmed its commitment to promoting a love of reading among children. This was achieved by providing a quality and unique range of activities and workshops that enabled students in private schools in the Emirate of Sharjah to express their talents and creativity in the world of literature and culture. He pointed out that the activities included participants from various age groups, specially designed to meet the needs and preferences of young readers.
He added that SPEA’s participation in the Sharjah Children's Reading Festival reflects its ambitious vision to enhance students' abilities and foster their passion for reading and culture. It underscores the importance of partnerships between educational and cultural institutions in achieving common educational and cultural goals. He explained that the festival's slogan, "Once Upon a Hero," inspires children to discover their creative abilities and talents through reading and writing. This aligns with SPEA’s goals and Sharjah's vision of building a knowledgeable community based on culture and education by providing a stimulating educational environment that encourages children to explore and innovate.
The first day of the festival witnessed 5 activities and events, including an acting scene about the Arabic language performed by Al Sedra Private School, while Khalifah Al Hamzah American Private School presented an Arabic language play. Additionally, SPEA organized a drawing activity, and the Emirates Private School conducted an art workshop. The second day featured 4 activities, including a poetry recitation by students from Al Murooj English Private Kindergarten & School, a story-writing activity presented by Al Bassaer Private School, a presentation on Emirati identity by the Emirates Private School, and the continuation of the drawing workshop organized by SPEA.
On the festival's third day, the Al Kamal American International School and GEMS Millennium Private School highlighted the importance of poetry through poetic recitations. The Emirates Private School presented a scene about bullying, alongside the ongoing drawing workshop by SPEA. On the fourth day Leaders Private School conducted a role-playing activity, while Sharjah International Private School showcased Arab achievements. The Private School of Scientific Innovation organized a theatrical scene, and Far Eastern Private School - Al Shahba presented a puppet show, in addition to a theatrical performance offered by Amity Private School.
The remaining days of the festival witnessed wide participation from myriad private schools affiliated with SPEA, featuring a distinguished range of activities and workshops, including plays, storytelling, educational workshops, poetry recitations, poetry debates, drawing, reading marathons, Arabic calligraphy workshops, cultural shows, and other enjoyable events.