Sharjah Children’s Reading Festival 2025: A Commitment to Cultivating Young Minds
As the literary pulse of the region quickens with each passing year, the Sharjah Children’s Reading Festival (SCRF) continues to carve its niche as a cornerstone event in youth literacy and cultural engagement. This year, the festival, which runs from April 23 to May 4 at the Sharjah Expo Center, stands as a testament to the unwavering commitment of the Sharjah Children Centers to foster a passion for reading among young audiences.
Marwa Al Zarouni, the Director of Marketing and Government Communication at the Sharjah Children Centers, recently articulated the organization’s dedication to enriching the festival experience. In her statements to “Sharjah 24”, she revealed that the foundation has prepared an impressive lineup of over 70 activities tailored for festival goers, ensuring that children are both engaged and inspired throughout this ten-day celebration.
At the heart of this year’s festival is the launch of the “Reader of the Century” platform, an initiative introduced by His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, the Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah. This innovative platform seeks to enhance knowledge dissemination and promote a lifelong love of reading among children aged 6 to 18. The initiative aligns perfectly with the festival’s overarching goal of instilling a reading culture that transcends traditional boundaries and approaches.
The emphasis on fostering inquisitive young minds through reading is amplified by the festival’s theme, “Let Books Immerse You”. This slogan captures the essence of the SCRF—encouraging children not just to read, but to dive into worlds that books offer, fostering imagination and critical thinking skills. As literature continues to be an indispensable tool for education and enlightenment, the SCRF creates a vibrant space for interaction, exploration, and creativity among participants.
Al Zarouni expressed her heartfelt gratitude to the festival’s organizers, commending their efforts in orchestrating an event that has witnessed growing attendance from both visitors and public figures alike. The continuous increase in participation each year is a remarkable reflection of the festival’s success and dedication to excellence. The collaborative spirit that underpins the event brings together authors, educators, and cultural figures, deepening the dialogue about literacy and learning within the community.
The sixteenth edition of the SCRF not only focuses on traditional aspects of literacy but also adapts to contemporary trends. The festival showcases diverse programming that covers various media, including workshops, storytelling sessions, and panel discussions. By expanding the scope beyond conventional literature, the SCRF aims to equip young minds with the tools they need to navigate an ever-evolving information landscape.
In a world increasingly shaped by technology and digital content, the importance of instilling a sound reading habit among the younger generation cannot be overstated. Festivals such as SCRF play a crucial role in ensuring that children develop an appreciation for reading as more than just an educational requirement—it becomes a source of pleasure and adventure.
Moreover, Sharjah’s cultural agenda, highlighted by events like the SCRF, emphasized its strategic role in promoting the UAE’s broader educational objectives as well as the vision of fostering a knowledgeable and culturally aware citizenry. The festival also contributes significantly to the local economy by attracting visitors, inspiring both tourism and entrepreneurship within the region’s literary sector.
As the SCRF enters its sixteenth iteration, the anticipation surrounding the festival continues to grow, reflecting a collective belief in the transformative power of reading. Encouraging children to embrace books not only nurtures their individual growth but contributes to the community’s cultural capital, ultimately enriching the societal fabric of Sharjah and beyond.
To summarize, the Sharjah Children’s Reading Festival is more than just an event; it is a movement aimed at shaping the future of literacy. By engaging children with the joys of reading, it invests in a generation that will cultivate knowledge, creativity, and insight for years to come.
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