Sharjah: Yesterday, Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, a member of the UAE Supreme Council and the ruler of Sharjah, inaugurated the 15th edition of the Sharjah Children’s Reading Festival (SCRF), opening a world for children.
This year’s festival, organized by the Sharjah Book Authority (SBA), is themed ‘Once Upon a Hero.’ The main goal of the SCRF is to engage children and youth in reading, entertainment, and knowledge. The event will continue at the Sharjah Expo Center until May 12.
11 Days of Diverse Programs
The SCRF will run for 11 days, featuring various programs and events. 512 guests from 66 countries, including India, will participate in the festival, which will host 1,658 engaging workshops and sessions. The inaugural edition of the Sharjah Animation Summit, a regional first, will also take place until May 5th. The event is held in partnership with the Bergamo Animation Days (BAD) Festival in Italy.
Booksellers Conference
The second edition of the Booksellers Conference, which brought together 383 book distributors, including 223 from 52 countries worldwide and 160 from 17 Arab countries, was held the previous day. Authors of children’s literature are showcasing their latest books at the festival.
Key Highlights
- Diverse Participation: The festival features 186 Arab and foreign publishers from 20 countries, hosting over 1,500 cultural, artistic, and edutainment activities. A total of 265 guests from 25 countries, including renowned writers, artists, publishers, and illustrators, contribute to a rich cultural exchange.
- Cultural Tours: Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, the Ruler of Sharjah, visited various pavilions including the Sharjah Private Education Authority, the Emirates Publishers Association, and the Supreme Council for Family Affairs, gaining insights into their cultural and educational activities that promote children’s reading.
- Awards and Recognition: The festival celebrated achievements in literature and illustration. Kyoung mi Ahn from South Korea won the Sharjah Children’s Book Illustration Award, followed by other global talents. Additionally, winners of the Sharjah Children’s Book Award and the Sharjah Audio Book Award were honored for their contributions to children’s literature.
- Visually Impaired: The Books for Visually Impaired Children Award was presented, highlighting efforts to make literature accessible to all children, fostering inclusivity.
- Creative Workshops: The festival offers an extensive range of workshops covering sustainability, fashion, crafts, and music, encouraging children to explore new skills and interests.
- Performances: Attendees can enjoy 12 dynamic performances, including theatre shows and roaming performances. The Poetry Knight competition is a highlight, encouraging young participants to engage with Arabic poetry across different school levels.
- Panel Discussions: Various panel discussions aim to develop children’s communication skills, featuring 70 guests from 25 countries, which enriches the festival’s educational impact.
- Focus on Innovation: This edition emphasizes reading as a transformative tool that nurtures creative thinking and innovation, shaping a future-oriented generation that recognizes the value of knowledge and cultural engagement.
Overall, the 15th edition of the Sharjah Children’s Reading Festival is a valuable event that benefits parents, children, and the youth community by promoting and encouraging creativity, fostering cultural understanding, and inspiring future leaders. For more information, please visit http://scrf.ae/.
MOST READ | Graphene: 200x stronger than steel!