Nurturing Future Storytellers: The Launch of the Fourth Edition of the Narrator Summer Camp in Sharjah
From August 4 to 14, 2025, Sharjah University City is poised to host the much-anticipated fourth edition of the Narrator Summer Camp. This immersive program, operating four days a week from Monday to Thursday, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., encompasses 24 interactive workshops designed to intertwine art, heritage, and the timeless art of storytelling. The primary objective of this initiative is to enhance children’s understanding of national identity while encouraging creative expression through narratives inspired by the journeys of renowned travelers, notably the famed Ibn Battuta.
Instilling Heritage Values in the Young
His Excellency Dr. Abdulaziz Al Musallam, Chairman of the Sharjah Institute for Heritage, underscored the significance of this endeavor, highlighting that the Narrator Summer Camp is an integral part of the Institute’s longstanding commitment to fostering educational and cultural initiatives. Dr. Musallam articulated that the camp not only seeks to instill heritage values in young minds but also aims to enrich their appreciation for traditional storytelling. Through engaging, knowledge-driven activities, children will have the opportunity to nurture their self-expression and creativity.
In his remarks, Dr. Musallam stated, “The camp serves as a preparatory platform ahead of the 25th edition of the Sharjah International Narrator Forum. It provides an inspiring environment where children can engage with elements of our heritage in modern contexts. We are nurturing a generation that is aware of the importance of oral storytelling traditions and is committed to preserving cultural heritage in ways that resonate with today’s youth.”
Preparing Future Narrators
Aisha Al Hossan Al Shamsi, Director of the Arabian Heritage Centre, echoed the sentiment of enhanced cultural engagement this year. She described the camp as a significant advancement in the effort to encourage deeper participation from youth in the forthcoming Sharjah International Narrator Forum. “This educational and cultural program reflects the Institute’s vision of embedding identity and collective memory in the hearts of young people,” Al Shamsi noted.
Her commitment to delivering engaging educational content is evident, as she explained, “At the Arabian Heritage Centre, we aim to connect children with their heritage through enjoyable and interactive methods. Our goal is not merely to pass down stories but to cultivate a new generation of young narrators who can reinterpret and convey these narratives in a contemporary context.”
Diverse Workshops and Noteworthy Themes
The camp’s curriculum boasts a diverse array of workshops, with activities spanning storytelling, handicrafts, visual arts, textile creation, recycling, and model crafting. Among the many vibrant sessions planned are “Tales of Ibn Battuta,” “Design Your Own Travel Journal,” “Make Your Necklace,” “The Hourglass,” “The Sailing Ship Painting,” and the “Explorer’s Badge.” Each workshop is designed to engage the students’ imaginations and inspire them to connect with their cultural heritage actively.
The stories of Ibn Battuta hold a special place in the camp’s agenda, serving as a foundation for discussing travel, adventure, and cultural interaction. Through his tales, participating children will explore themes of discovery and curiosity, instilling in them an appreciation of their rich heritage.
Explorer’s Badge to Mark the Finale
The Narrator Summer Camp will culminate in a ceremony on August 14, 2025, when participating children will be honored and presented with the coveted Explorer’s Badge. This recognition denotes their active participation and commitment throughout the enriching cultural and educational journey. By empowering these young creatives, the camp fosters confidence in their abilities to carry the memory of their nation and express it with authenticity and pride.
The Narrator Summer Camp represents a vital intersection of education, culture, and heritage in Sharjah. By investing in the cultural literacy of its youth, the program not only preserves the narrative heritage of the UAE and the broader Arab world but also equips the next generation with the tools to reimagine and communicate their stories effectively. As young minds engage with their heritage, they embrace the role of future storytellers, ensuring that the vibrant tapestry of their culture continues to thrive in a rapidly changing world.
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