Culture & Education | Thursday 6 October, 2016 3:02 pm |

Lughati, the Sharjah-based initiative dedicated to supporting Arabic learning the smart way, participated in the Khorfakkan Reading Carnival at Khorfakkan Corniche, which took place on 4 October 2016. The event was organised by the Ministry of Education as part of its ‘National Reading Policy’ initiative, launched in line with the announcement of 2016 as the ‘Year of Reading’, and October 2016 as the ‘Month of Reading’.

 

In a meaningful collaboration between ‘Lughati’ initiative and the Ministry of Education, the Khorfakkan Reading Carnival strongly reflected the deep intent of both entities to promote the Arabic language and culture among students in a way that encourages them to use it in their daily lives. ‘Lughati’ conducted an array of educational and entertainment workshops and activities, attended by 55 students and 25 teachers.

 

Lughati’s activities at the carnival ran on a common theme of innovation. One of the featured activities was the ‘Theatre of Tales’ workshop, where youngsters acted out stories and took on their favourite characters by roleplaying with their peers using Arabic expressions. The ‘Arts and Crafts’ workshop, on the other hand, engaged children in mask-making, alongside forming Arabic letters using paper. Both workshops caught the interest and imaginations of the little ones, instilling in them the curiosity and the love of the Arabic language.

 

“We were keen to take part in the reading carnival, which was organised by the Ministry of Education, with the aim of promoting a reading-centred culture – especially in Arabic – among our pupils. We conducted an array of educational, artistic and recreational activities that were simple but enjoyable, to help children engage with the Arabic language and develop a sense of appreciation for the beauty of their mother tongue,” said Badria Al Ali, Manager of Lughati initiative.

 

Lughati’s ‘Artistic Expression Corner’ encouraged children to unleash their creative imagination and express themselves, equipped with crayons to create their artworks. The ‘Acting Corner’ polished children’s acting skills, as they played their favourite characters from children’s literature in Arabic.

 

The ‘Smart Learning Corner’ sought to nurture children’s digital skills through smart tablets, provided by ‘Lughati’ initiative. It was aimed at training children to use smart applications to understand concepts from all study subjects, in addition to drawing and colouring characters and tales using smart devices. The activities tapped into children’s creative energies, who were keen to bring along friends and family to share their joy.   

 

His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah, launched the Lughati smart Arabic learning initiative with the aim of supporting the Arab National Curriculum with modern educational methods, smart applications and new programmes. It is aimed at encouraging children to apply Arabic for scientific research, as well as in attaining cultural, social and economic knowledge, turning them into great successes for themselves and the Arabic language.