Ministry of Education allocates AED 3.7 million for books for school libraries

UAE, November 16, 2015 - H.E. Hussain Al Hammadi, Minister of Education, noted that the Sharjah International Book Fair offers a vital cultural platform for celebrating knowledge during his visit. H.E. Al Hammadi visited the Ministry’s stand accompanied by Ahmed Bin Rakkad Amiri, Head of the Sharjah Book Authority and Director of the Sharjah International Book Fair. The Minister added that the fair is an exceptional event that draws the wide participation of all sectors of society and is of great scientific and literary value. It also provides a fertile ground for the exchange of ideas, allowing parties in the educational field to discuss the goals and objectives of the coming years. 

H.E. Al Hammadi was also briefed on the products and activities available at the Ministry’s stand. The Minister interacted with students and other visitors of the stand, before touring the rest of the fair. He commended the fair’s high level of organization and diversity as reflected in the wide range of books, references, manuscripts, and other modern educational publications that it presented.

The Minister further noted that Sharjah has carved a distinct reputation in the field of science and knowledge and that the emirate has made outstanding cultural and educational achievements as a result of the directives of H.H. Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah. The Minister commended Al Qasimi’s active role in establishing Sharjah as a leader in the fields of science and knowledge and developing many significant programs and initiatives, such as the Sharjah International Book Fair. The annual event is the result of the tireless efforts and hard work of its organizers and is a landmark achievement in the cultural efforts of Sharjah, 

H.E. Al Hammadi said that the Ministry has allocated AED 3.7 million to buy books and innovative teaching aids from the Sharjah International Book Fair. These will be delivered to school libraries to ensure that students are given access to the latest publications and educational tools. He emphasized that school libraries are crucial platforms that require special attention and that it is important to cultivate a love for reading among students even at a young age. 

He added that the Fair has become a highly-anticipated destination for publishers, writers and intellectual leaders in the region and beyond, as it gathers the participation of people interested in cultural affairs and literary forums. 

The Minister said that public and private sector entities, including educational institutions and universities across the country, were able to showcase their educational initiatives during the fair, reflecting the event’s position as an ideal platform for promoting creative and educational tools to visitors, particularly parents and students. 

He explained that the Ministry’s participation in this year’s edition of the Sharjah International Book Fair featured an interactive stand that offered a wide range of events, training workshops, enriching activities and performances, as well as the latest books and scientific publications. The stand was developed following the active participation of schools across the educational zones and offered a host of literary sessions to address the interests of individuals who expressed passion for education and culture. 

H.E. Al Hammadi added that the Ministry is committed to regularly participating in the fair in the coming years in recognition of the significant role it plays in cultivating educational tools for the benefit of the public. 

The Minister encouraged institutions in the educational zones to showcase the latest teaching advancements during the event in order to enlighten the public on available tools for enhancing their linguistic and cognitive skills. This event provides a key repository of sources for people of all classes. It allows guests to enjoy intellectually stimulating activities, procure books on various subject matters, and review educational innovations that help in increasing community awareness.

Minister Al Hamadi urged the public to visit the fair in order to benefit from its wide range of activities and enjoy the diverse selection of books being presented in the event.