News DeskSharjah, UAE – Menassah, an initiative spearheaded by the Emirates Publishers Association (EPA) to champion Emirati publishers and their literary works on a global stage, is proud to unveil a brand-new edition of the School Book Fair. This community-driven endeavor is set to ignite a fervor for reading among students across the UAE as they embark on the 2023-2024 academic year. The initiative’s primary objective is to introduce young readers to the world of Emirati literature while ensuring that these literary treasures are accessible and affordable during the fair.
In a remarkable collaboration with 70 local publishing houses, Menassah is set to showcase an impressive collection of approximately 5,000 books encompassing 500 unique titles. These literary gems will be displayed across four exhibitions hosted by nine participating schools in Sharjah throughout the month of September.
Rashid Al Kous, the Executive Director of EPA, expressed his enthusiasm for this initiative, saying, “We are thrilled to welcome our young students back with an exciting series of school book fairs. Through these fairs, we aim to provide them with a rich and diverse selection of Emirati literary works tailored to their educational levels and age groups. This initiative encourages them to explore Emirati culture and heritage, fostering a deeper connection with our traditions.”
Al Kous continued, “We remain steadfast in our commitment to strengthening partnerships with schools and educational institutions, initiating community programs that cultivate a love for reading in the next generation and integrate it into their daily lives. The beginning of the new school year offers an excellent opportunity to achieve this objective. As part of this initiative, we are pleased to offer a 15% discount on all books featured at the school book fairs, making these valuable resources more accessible to our students.”
Furthermore, Al Kous emphasized that this initiative aligns perfectly with the ongoing efforts of the Emirates Publishers Association to support local publishers, institutions, and individuals by creating additional platforms for showcasing and promoting their publications, thereby generating both financial and moral benefits.
The School Book Fair commenced with its first exhibition on September 4th at Khalifa Al-Hamza American School, Al-Shuala Private School, and Al-Sidra Private School Kalba, running until September 7th. The second exhibition is scheduled at Al-Durrah International Schools and PACE British School from September 11th to 14th. The third exhibition will take place from September 18th to 21st at GEMS Westminster School and Al Maarifa International Private School. The initiative will conclude with its fourth exhibition at Al Ansar International and Al Itqan American Schools Sharjah from September 25th to 28th.
As Menassah continues to champion Emirati literature and promote a culture of reading among the youth, it marks a significant step towards nurturing the next generation of avid readers and preserving the rich heritage and traditions of the UAE.
