The UAE has paid great attention to children since its inception. For 50 years, the state has been keen to establish legislative foundations to guarantee the rights of children from birth, with the aim of providing future generations with a sound upbringing that qualifies them to be good and effective individuals in society. The UAE has made great strides in this field, culminating in the issuance of Law No. 3 of 2016 regarding children’s rights, known as the “Wadima Law.”
The Ministerial Council for Development also approved in 2018, On March 15 of each year to celebrate “Emirati Children’s Day,” Which every year celebrates a different child right, This year focuses on the right to health. The UAE has given special attention to children’s culture. It launched many cultural initiatives that extended to include Arab children as well. The most prominent of these initiatives are:
Arabic reading challenge
It represents the Arabic reading challenge, Which falls under the umbrella of the “Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Initiatives Foundation”, The largest knowledge competitive initiative of its kind in the Arab world to develop the passion for reading among young people and instill in them a culture of reading so that it becomes a daily habit. This will develop their ideas, contribute to expanding their awareness, and enhance their intellectual, analytical and creative abilities and skills. The challenge was launched in its first session in the 2015-2016 academic year in translation of the vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum. Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, “Reading is the beginning of the path to a better future based on science and knowledge… and the nations that read hold the reins of progress.” The challenge targets school students from the first grade of primary school until the 12th grade. It aims to consolidate the culture of reading in the Arabic language, A language capable of keeping pace with all forms of literature, science and knowledge.
“Al Jalila Children’s Culture”
The center, affiliated with the Dubai Culture and Arts Authority, aims to: To enhance culture among children, And embrace their creativity and ambition for the future. The center includes a number of artistic departments specialized in visual and performing arts. It receives children from four to 16 years of age of all nationalities. It provides them with a safe environment filled with creativity at the hands of an elite group of artists and specialists in various artistic fields. He is concerned with directing children’s energies in the right path. Discovering their talents and creative abilities and exploiting them to hone their personalities. This enhances their ability to deal intelligently with life’s obstacles, It enables them to devise creative solutions to problems they may face in the future.
Abu Dhabi Children’s Library
The library, which is located in the Cultural Complex in the heart of Abu Dhabi, represents A unique model for children’s libraries, providing a vibrant space that encourages innovation and creativity in a dynamic and interactive learning environment for children of all ages. The library extends over three floors with an area of 5,250 square metres. It is divided into several immersive social spaces, Varies according to each age group, Its design was inspired by three-dimensional books. The library supports the learning method through play.
Each floor of the library features a special concept inspired by the diverse landscapes of the Emirates. The first floor was designed inspired by the calm and tranquility of the desert, inviting children to read on the sand dunes, on the backs of camels, or in four-wheel drive vehicles. In the same vein, the other floors of the library were designed inspired by the oases intersected by the falaj.
The library includes a wide and diverse range of books, Including fiction, non-fiction, graphic novels, biographies, and audiobooks.
Enas Muhaisen
