| Arab Publishers Forum launches AED1 mn Etisalat Prize for Arabic Children?s Literature 2009-05-22 13:55:58 WAM Sharjah, 22nd May 2009 (WAM) -- In a move intended to preserve Arab children's culture in the third millennium during a time of globalization and digital cultural revolution, the Arab Children's Book Publishers Forum has announced the launch of the Etisalat Prize for the most distinguished Arabic children's literature. With one million dirhams in prize money, this award will become the most recognized award in its category, and the 2009 winner is expected to be announced at the Sharjah World Book Fair, scheduled for November this year. The award highlights the importance of collaboration between governmental bodies focusing on Arab children, and educational and cultural institutions, and their significant contribution to the project for developing Arab children's culture and promoting children's literature. This project was launched in response to the challenges associated with the ongoing regional social transformation and digital technology-driven diverse and complicated educational resources. The award recognizes the importance of book-based knowledge for children and the role it plays in stimulating the imagination, intellect and creativity of a child, building character and promoting human values. Children's literature is the most significant tool available for preserving national identity, tradition, culture and heritage, and is the ultimate resource to bridge the gap between different cultures and civilizations. Commenting on the occasion, H.E. Sheikha Bodour Al Qassimi, Founder and CEO of Kalimat Publishing, and honorary member of the Arab Children's Book Publishers Forum, emphasized the role of institutions in growing children's culture, and its role in promoting Arab culture, saying: "If the need for Arab cultural development is urgent, the need for developing the Arab children's culture is more urgent, as building the child is the cornerstone for future growth. ''Children's literature is a very important genre whose future welfare must be ensured, and Etisalat's interest in this genre is part of its social responsibility to defend Arab children's culture and promote children's literature. I appreciate Etisalat's initiative and their commitment to children's right to have their own art and literature". "We require more efforts to be made to promote children's literature and empower it in various educational and social institutions, as it is indispensable for accelerating the cultural and social development process. The launch of this forum is part of the efforts that aim to fulfill the vision of H.H. Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qassimi, UAE Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, who has stressed the importance of developing and introducing Arabic culture and heritage to children through literary forms so as to inspire the imagination of Arab children," she added. "Founding an Arab establishment that produces various types of cultural tools oriented towards Arabic children would meet these goals, as it would aim for a unified effort and would recognize outstanding initiatives in this field. Official and non-official social, educational, cultural and media institutions can help to preserve this cultural identity by highlighting the rich and deep-rooted Arabic and Islamic heritage, and using the culture as a means to encourage children's creativity," she said. Speaking of Etisalat's commitment to supporting social and cultural development in the UAE community, Mr Abdul Aziz Taryam, General Manager: Etisalat (Northern Emirates), said: "Since its establishment, Etisalat has been committed to corporate social responsibility and to reflecting the significant role of private sector institutions in the national development process. ''The corporation has been keen to expand its activities beyond production and service activities, and to shoulder the responsibility of achieving the aspirations and ambitions of the nation. Investment in human capital forms a significant part of Etisalat's strategy, and human development is crucial for a nation to excel and develop, and to stay abreast of the robust technological growth". "Etisalat has decided to play an effective role in human development in the UAE community through extending support and sponsorship to different organizations. This can then be made a real part of social and cultural reform programmes that aim to improve human skills and experiences, develop productivity, stimulate creativity, and help talented individuals achieve their full potential," he added. In addition to sponsoring the Children's Book Award, Etisalat has covered the costs of the Arab Children Book Publishers Forum's participation at Book Expo America (BEA) 2009, where a 225-book space pavilion has been designated for use by the Forum, while a catalogue that contains the names of member publishers and an introduction of each member publishing house was printed by the Forum. A symposium with discussion opportunity will be conducted on publishing children books, with the list of speakers including H.E. Sheikha Bodour Al Qassimi, Dr. Amira Abu Al Majid and Dr. Najlaa Bashour. The symposium is planned to tackle challenges and copyright processes facing the publishing industry. Exhibition space has also been designated for five Arab illustrators, and invitations to participate were sent out to five Arab Forum member publishers, while plans are in place to organize field visits for USA-based HarperCollins Publishers and Scholastic, and to study their experience in the publishing industry. Visits to two children's bookshops, Bank Street Bookstore and Books of Wonder, where reading sessions will be organized for Arab children, are also scheduled. At the end of the Expo, the Forum, in coordination with the Expo management, will donate the books in the exhibition to one of the centers that are visited by the Arab communities. WAM/TF |
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