More than 120 Arab Children from 11 countries across the Middle East and North Africa arrived yesterday (Sunday) at the Children Centre in Al Riqqa, Sharjah, to kick-start preparations for the 12th edition of the Sharjah Arab Children Forum (SACF) 2016.
The young forum delegates for SACF 2016, which is being held under the title: ‘Hear us, we are the Future,’ gathered at the centre for icebreaking and networking activities before the commencement of the official opening ceremony tomorrow. Organisers said that there was a palpable sense of excitement for the forum, which aims to empower the region’s youth and promote cross-nation Arab unity in young minds.
“It was fantastic to welcome the children and delegates to the pre-event activities for SACF 2016. This was the ideal opportunity for everyone to get to know each other before the commencement of the forum on Monday evening. It means that we can hit the ground running when we officially open, with many friendships already having been forged,” said Reem BinKaram, Director of Sharjah Children Centres, organisers of SACF 2016.
“There was a real atmosphere of excitement in the air as the youngsters and delegates mingled, introduced each other, and took part in a number of workshops. It all bodes well for a very successful 12th Edition of SACF 2016,” she added.
A networking ceremony held by Sharjah Children Centres - a subsidiary of the Supreme Council for Family Affairs – saw Reem BinKaram giving a keynote speech where she highlighted the aim of the forum in gathering children from across the Arab world under one voice, one goal and as one nation, all marching together towards innovation and leadership excellence. Also speaking at the networking day address was Noura Mohammed Mubarak, Deputy Head of the Supreme Organising Committee for SACF, who spoke about the variety of entertainment and educational workshops in further detail.
Although scheduled to start Monday evening, children arriving for SACF 2016 were able to enjoy a number of activities to help break the ice and foster a spirit of togetherness A series of pre-event activities facilitated introductions throughout the day, with one popular initiative being a wall where the young attendees were able to write their personal ambitions and dreams for the future. The special section allowed the children to publicly announce and share what they want to be when they grow up and reveal their career goals. Complementing this activity was a number of workshops that discussed with children what it takes to become future leaders in their respective areas of interest.
The 12th edition of SACF starts its 7-day programme of activities on Monday 28th. The event is being held under the patronage of Her Highness Sheikha Jawaher Bint Mohammed Al Qasimi, wife of His Highness Dr. Sheikh Sultan Bin Mohammed Al Qasimi Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, and Chairperson of the Supreme Council for Family Affairs. SACF 2016 will host children from 11 Arabic countries; Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait, Egypt, Palestine, Sudan, Mauritania, Comoros, Jordan and the UAE.