190 Guests from 25 Countries Set to Enrich Young Minds at SCRF

The Sharjah Children's Reading Festival (SCRF) logo
The Sharjah Children's Reading Festival (SCRF) logo
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190 Guests from 25 Countries Set to Enrich Young Minds at SCRF

The Sharjah Children's Reading Festival (SCRF) logo
The Sharjah Children's Reading Festival (SCRF) logo

The Sharjah Children's Reading Festival (SCRF), renowned for its ability to unite global literary enthusiasts and bring the undeniable power of reading to the youth, is making a comeback next month, Emirates News Agency (WAM) reported.

Organized by Sharjah Book Authority (SBA) and set to take place from May 1 to 12 in Expo Center Sharjah, the region’s largest event dedicated to nurturing the imaginations of young minds, carries the theme ‘Once Upon a Hero’ this year.

There will be 190 guests from 25 countries. Leading the pack is Jerry Craft, a distinguished American cartoonist and children's book illustrator, whose syndicated comic strip "Mama's Boyz" and graphic novels such as "New Kid" and "Class Act" have earned him widespread acclaim.

Joining Craft is Raúl The Third, a New York Times bestselling illustrator and author, celebrated for his evocative portrayals of the contemporary Mexican-American experience.

Further enhancing the festival's agenda is Dr. Caroline Leaf, a world-famous communication pathologist and neuroscientist from the United States. Renowned for her research on the mind-brain connection, Dr. Leaf's expertise in mental health and memory formation promises to enlighten and inspire attendees.

Hailing from Malaysia, Stacy C. Bauer and Ying Ying Ng bring their unique talents to the forefront. Bauer, a prolific writer known for her humorous anecdotes and relatable storytelling, is set to regale audiences with tales of childhood adventures. Ng, with over three decades of experience in music education, offers invaluable insights into the world of creativity and learning.

Malaysia's David Chek Ling Ngo rounds out the top tier of distinguished guests, bringing his wealth of knowledge in leadership and academic excellence to the fore. Recognized as one of the Top 2 percent Scientists Worldwide by Stanford University, Ngo's contributions to the fields of education and institutional growth are nothing short of exemplary.

According to WAM, the festival will also play host to a diverse array of luminaries from around the globe. From Georgia, Lia Shalvashvili, an esteemed author and educator, joins the fray with her extensive repertoire of children's literature. The United States contributes Dr. Al Jones, a distinguished psychologist specializing in educational and gender psychology, further enriching the festival's intellectual discourse.

Not to be overlooked are the notable guests from India, including Mamta Nainy, Bethany Clark, and Sohini Mitra, each bringing their unique perspectives on children's literature and publishing to the table.

Other noteworthy figures include Cathy Camper from the US, Joanne Steer from the UK, Dr. Sandy Zanella from Mexico, Toyin Akanni from Nigeria, Deeba Zargarpur representing Afghanistan and the US, Liam Kelly from Ireland, Hannah Moushabeck from the US, Lauren Tamaki also from the US, Leila Boukarim, Jane Mount, and Zelmaré Viljoen.



King Salman Academy, Indiana University Partner on Arabic Language Program

King Salman Academy, Indiana University Partner on Arabic Language Program
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King Salman Academy, Indiana University Partner on Arabic Language Program

King Salman Academy, Indiana University Partner on Arabic Language Program

The King Salman Global Academy for Arabic Language (KSGAAL) and Indiana University have launched a specialized academic program as part of the academy's Arabic language teacher training project for non-native speakers.
KSGAAL Secretary-General Dr. Abdullah Al-Washmi said the program, running until April 8, builds on ongoing efforts to develop Arabic language education for non-native speakers.

He highlighted the academy's commitment to quality teaching and the use of standardized tests like Hamza, an Arabic language proficiency test.

He added that the partnership with Indiana University underscores KSGAAL's dedication to international academic exchange and best practices in the field.
The program focuses on enhancing teacher and learner competency, improving teaching quality, and advancing language assessment through modern educational standards.

Activities include an introduction to language tests, a specialized training course for Arabic teachers of non-native speakers, and a symposium on Saudi Arabia's efforts in this field, culminating in a practical application of the Hamza test.