Bodour Al Qasimi opens the second edition of "Early Childhood Literacy Conference 2025"

SHARJAH, 10th October, 2020 (WAM) – Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi, Founder and CEO of Kalimat Group, yesterday opened the second edition of the “Early Childhood Literacy Conference 2025”, which is organized by “Kalimat Group” in strategic partnership with the “National Academy for Childhood Development” at the headquarters of the “Council for Higher Education and Scientific Research” in Sharjah, from 10 to 12 October this month.

The conference, which is the first of its kind in the Arab world, constitutes a milestone in the future of education, as it brings together early childhood experts from all over the world and provides an integrated experience of methods and curricula for teaching Arabic in early childhood according to the latest international studies. It also examines the role of artificial intelligence and technology in supporting literacy and developing language skills and highlighting the impact of children’s literature and folk tales on building identity and enhancing reading skills. It also includes mechanisms for employing songs and stories. Games, arts and technology in the service of the Arabic language.

Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi said that the vision of Sharjah, under the directives of His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah, places language at the heart of identity formation and teaching the Arabic language in early childhood contributes to enhancing communication and belonging. Therefore, through this conference, we are establishing modern creative ways to help children grow, develop, and feel confident in their language, culture, and future.

Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi toured the departments and facilities that cover all the theoretical, practical and artistic aspects of the conference, starting with the “Crossing Borders” exhibition, which showcases the research of the Reggio Children’s Curriculum on combining nature and technology, to the workshops corner, which hosts training and artistic workshops, passing through the books corner, which contains educational resources for the early childhood stage, and ending with the main platform that hosts dialogue sessions. And presentations with the participation of elite academics and educators from all over the world.

Dr. Mira Al-Kaabi, head of the National Academy for Childhood Development team, said: The Arabic language represents a fundamental pillar in consolidating national identity, enhancing belonging among generations, and an incubator of knowledge and values. We are proud of our strategic partnership in the Early Childhood Literacy Conference, which constitutes an important platform for exchanging experiences and reviewing the latest educational practices, and we affirm our commitment to supporting caregivers, teachers, and families with integrated educational programs that focus on quality and sustainable societal impact.

The opening ceremony witnessed a dialogue session entitled “The Achievements of the United Arab Emirates in Promoting the Arabic Language in Early Childhood,” hosted by Aisha Miran, Director General of the Knowledge and Human Development Authority in Dubai, Dr. Muhadithah Al Hashemi, President of the Sharjah Private Education Authority, and Salah Al Hosani, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Teachers Association.

The speakers discussed the most prominent initiatives adopted by the United Arab Emirates to promote the Arabic language in the early childhood stage, from developing curricula and teacher preparation programs to national initiatives and reaching innovative projects on the ground. The session reviewed how wise visions were transformed into tangible achievements that consolidate the status of the Arabic language since the early years.

The opening ceremony included honoring the strategic partner, the National Academy for Childhood Development, the official sponsor, the National Paints Factories Group Ltd., and the sponsors; Sharjah Private Education Authority, Sharjah Education Academy, Council of Higher Education and Scientific Research, and international expert “Regio Children”.

The conference reflects Kalimat Group’s belief in the importance of the first years of children’s lives and its role in acquiring language and cognitive skills and the necessity of developing new strategies in teaching the Arabic language in the early childhood stage. It embodies its commitment to empowering society and promoting the Arabic language in line with modern educational policies based on the concept of reading from the early years. It highlights the best experiences and practices in teaching the Arabic language in the early childhood stage to generalize solutions that contribute to empowering generations. Emerging.

The conference program includes 16 sessions and 26 workshops with the participation of 48 speakers. The conference covers more than 20 main topics, including: the Arabic language and the science of reading, the impact of Arabic on mental and physical abilities, strategies for teaching Arabic according to modern studies, artificial intelligence and technology in teaching Arabic, and visual education as an introduction to reading and play in the service of the Arabic language, folk tales and reading, early exposure to the Arabic language, children’s literature, reading and their impact. On teaching Arabic and teaching Arabic according to the Montessori, Reggio, Cambridge and other approaches, in the presence of teachers and educators from various parts of the Emirates.

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