PUBLISHING PARTNERS

Knowledge without Borders (KwB), a Sharjah-based cultural initiative dedicated to fostering a culture of reading in the Emirati society, is participating with a diverse package of educational events, entertainment activities and workshops, in the Sharjah Children’s Reading Festival (SRCF 2018), which runs until April 28.

KwB’s participation aims to elevate its prominence on the local cultural landscape, as it continues its efforts to build an educated generation, nurtured with the knowledge of arts, culture and science. As part of its participation at SCRF 2018, KwB has presented a rich programme of events and activities to young visitors, seeking to develop their love for books, culture and reading.

At a workshop titled ‘Make Your Doll from Your Story’, young crafts makers use everyday recyclable materials like scraps of cloth, sponge, and more, to create the main protagonist of the book, Umm Al Subianne(The Mother of Two Boys), published by the Kalimat Group.

The KwB puppet show, called Zeyad and the Truth takes the young audience on a journey of suspense and excitement, probing them to compare the value of honesty with the bad habit of lying as they see the interactions between young Zeyad and his mother.

The puppet show is based on the Kalimat Group publication of the same title written by Tim Hobgood and illustrated by David Tasiman. It beautifully encapsulates Zeyad’sinner conflict after a wrong act, which he knows will upset his mother. The story urges children to listen to the advice of their parents and choose friends who will add value to their lives.

Children are also being treated to a series of storytelling sessions of Umm Al Subianne, Wise teacher and Student, by Ansam Jameel, and illustrated by Zahra Mohammed Ali, which was supported by KwB’s ‘1001 Titles’ initiative.

KwB is also showcasing its ‘Coffee and Book’ initiative for the first time in SCRF. A fund-raising initiative, Coffee and Book  aims to encourage children to support humanitarian initiatives with the purchase of a coffee at the KwB stand. The proceeds generated from the coffee sale will be donated to charitable organisations in the UAE.