ABU DHABI // Emirati author Ahmed Al Shoaibi regaled children from the New England Centre for Children in Abu Dhabi, a school for Emirati pupils with special needs, with tales of Eid and Emirati heritage on Thursday.
With a Ramadan theme, the academic-turned-children’s author, whose passion is to teach the young generation about Emirati culture and heritage, spread the message of peace and kindness, the true spirit of the holy month.
About 40 pupils aged 4 to 13 took part in the visit in which two stories were read to each of the two groups of children, in both Arabic and English.
“It was very heart-warming,” said Al Shoaibi. “The children really understood the meaning of Ramadan. The Eid story was very easy to relate to Ramadan, talking about how during this month we are working towards Eid, the time when we celebrate the fact that God gave us the strength and patience to fast for 30 days, which is not easy.
“We spoke about celebrating the importance of family, of giving to the poor and helping those less fortunate.”
Dr Pam Olsen, programme director for the school, said bringing Al Shoaibi was important for the children.
“Our students love having the opportunity to read and be read to. Students frequently visit our school library, where they select books to read, and teachers also sometimes read to them,” she said. “I think Ahmed and his books can be an inspiration to students. Not only do they emphasise the importance of Emirati culture and heritage but they also illustrate a way that this information can be communicated so that children and their families will enjoy learning about it.
“The fact that they are learning from a fellow Emirati who can serve as a role model makes it more relevant.”
Teaching heritage and culture is an important part of the children’s education, she said.
“We hope that the students will learn more about their culture and heritage and the importance of reading and writing about it.”
She hoped that teachers, too, benefited from the visit. “I think the fact that the books are written in English greatly broadens the audience and means that the messages will reach many more people within and beyond the UAE,” Ms Olsen said. “Hopefully this will increase the students’ and teachers’ interest in preserving Emirati culture.”
Fatema Al Katheeri, a teacher and therapist at the centre, said: “It will influence them [the pupils] to love reading about the UAE and to learn more information about the UAE. It is very important to have Emirati writers. What they write will benefit the Emirati students in many different ways.
“I believe that Ahmed is one of those who has the ability to write books which have meaningful messages, especially on cultural themes. Having his books in English is a good idea for learning a second language through relevant context.”
One of Al Shoaibi's books, The Tales of Hamad, is a collection of seven stories that looks at Emirati culture.
mswan@thenational.ae
