Lughati, the Sharjah-based initiative dedicated to supporting Arabic learning through smart digital technologies, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Noon Caravan, a Sharjah Social Services Department (SSSD) initiative for children who are deprived of an education.

The MoU was signed by Badria Al Ali, Manager of the Lughati Initiative, and Fayza Khabab, Director of the Volunteer Centre at SSSD. The move will benefit Noon Caravan students, children of the Social Child Care Center and a group of senior citizens residing in Sharjah.

Lughati was established in 2013 by HH Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah.

The MoU stipulates that Lughati will supply 50 smart tablets, storage units and charging lockers, in addition to other educational materials to Noon. Another 50 tablets will be distributed to the elderly. The Volunteer Center will also monitor implementation and report on the progress of teachers and students who will participate in the initiative.

Badria Al Ali said: “Aiming to enhance partnerships with local entities that work for the betterment of children and the elderly by offering quality learning resources, the MoU with the Social Services Department takes our objectives to preserve the Arabic language by offering young learners and teachers innovative tools and learning methods, a step further. This collaboration also reflects our overall strategy, which is to boost the education systems in Sharjah and promote local culture. It also ticks our goal to offer community members a healthy social environment.”

She added: “The smart devices we are supplying will assist children learn how to use latest technologies, and make learning easy and fun. It is a great example of how technology can be leveraged to benefit young learners and develop their creative capacities.”

Khabab stressed that the MoU will go a great extent in facilitating children’s learning and education, and are also aligned with their objectives to offer the elderly opportunities to keep learning.

The first phase of Lughati was implemented between 2013 and 2016, during which 5,060 tablets were distributed to students, with 232 distributed among nursery school teachers. In the second phase, tablets were distributed to 2,959 grade 1 students and 129 teachers in 49 schools. In the third phase, 2,951 grade 2 students and 76 benefitted from the initiative. In the fourth phase, tablets were distributed to 1,135 grade 3 students and 89 teachers in 49 schools.