DCT Abu Dhabi Launches 'Around The World Summer Programme' For Youngsters

The Department of Culture and Tourism - Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) has announced the upcoming launch of its Around the World Summer Programme for the emirate’s public libraries.

ABU DHABI, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News / WAM - 29th Jun, 2018) The Department of Culture and Tourism - Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) has announced the upcoming launch of its Around the World Summer Programme for the emirate’s public libraries. The initiative is part of Abu Dhabi Summer Season 2018, which aims to encourage children and teenagers to read more during the school summer break and also introduce a range of activities and events that will feature international authors, books and cultures from around the world.

The programme, which will be introduced in Abu Dhabi libraries including Al Wathba Library, Al Marfa Library, Mazyad Library, Al Bahia Library and Khalifa Park Library, and Al Ain’s Zayed Central Library, will include a variety of programmes and activities from 1st July until 31st August for children and teenagers of all ages.

The Summer Reading Challenge will challenge youngsters to read 30 books from across the world this summer. Intended for students aged 6 to 16 years old, the 30-book ‘target’ will run for the duration of the programme. To register for participation, please visit library.dctabudhabi.ae or register in person when visiting any one of the National Library’s branches.

Additional initiatives include the Young Librarian programme, which will invite children aged 8 – 14 to become librarians for a month at their closest library. Children will be able to experience the inner workings of a library, recommend books to visitors and support the library staff during a 7-hour shift. Registration for the programme can be done through DCT Abu Dhabi website. Children participating will also be required to complete and submit a project at the end of their participation.

The Around the World Summer Programme will also present a variety of workshops covering arts, crafts, language, storytelling and innovation at libraries this summer, opening up a host of opportunities for youngsters in the capital to stimulate their creativity and learn something new. Some key workshops include learning French, arts and crafts workshops on decoupage, recycling, origami, toy making, interactive theatre, as well as Emirati etiquette, information security in the virtual world, and programming robotics.

The workshop series will also feature the ‘My First Business’ workshop where participants will learn how to develop a holistic business plan with goals, ideas, financial plan, , budgeting and other concepts that lead to a successful business.

Moreover, each library will host weekly cultural themes celebrating a country or region, teaching children the nuances of language and culture through activities, workshops and a list of international books.

Teenagers and adults also have the opportunity to volunteer and interact with children at any of the six public libraries throughout the programme by applying visiting the official website of the department.

Abdullah Majed Al Ali, Acting Executive Director of the National Library Sector, DCT Abu Dhabi, said, "We are launching the summer programme with the aim of encouraging our children and the youth of the UAE to develop healthier reading habits and to learn more about international cultures. The benefits of reading for pleasure, whether story books, fact or fiction, especially at a young age, not only allows children to read and process information better, but also increases empathy, curiosity, and opens up doors for cultural understanding. The programme was designed to instill curiosity for reading and a love of knowledge, and the variety of activities, workshops and initiatives being launched across our public libraries is testament to the range of interests and skills that the National Library sector can help support and nurture within young people. We hope to see a very positive outcome at the end of the programme with children across the country both enjoying and learning from the experiences we have planned."

Renowned Arab authors will also visit and participate in the weekly programmes, include Maitha Al Kayyat, Sahar Najaa Mahfouz, Sara Al Hammadi, Mariam Saqr Al Qasimi, Badria Al Shamsi, and Nadia Al Najjar, Daphne and Gerald Mercer, Sarah Sillis, Ahmed Al Shoibi and Khadijah Kudsi amongst others.