Sheikha Jameela Opens School of Creative Sciences (Ebdaa) Bazar

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Sheikha Jameela Opens School of Creative Sciences (Ebdaa) Bazar

Sheikha Jameela bint Mohammed Al Qasimi, Vice President of Sharjah Family Supreme Council and Director General of Sharjah City for Humanitarian Services (SCHS), a non-profit organization located in the United Arab Emirates who aims at providing education, advocacy, and independence for people with disabilities, commenced the Ninth Charitable Bazar along with The School of Creative Sciences (Ebdaa) on Wednesday, March 9th, 2011.
SCHS will allocate a part of the revenues to continue providing services for people with disabilities, the remaining portion of the revenues will go to the Supportive Committee of Sharjah Family Supreme Council, established to improve the services of the health sector in the Emirate of Sharjah.

The opening ceremony was attended by Mr. Waled Ramadan, The School of Creative Sciences (Ebdaa) Principal, Mr. Jihad Abdel Qader, Head of SCHS’s Finance Department, Ms. Moza Al Ali, Representing Sharjah Educational Zone, and parents. Mrs. Rafidah Hejja, Head of the Arabic Department, gave a speech on behalf of Mr. Salah Bu Khatr, Chairman of The School of Creative Sciences, to welcome visitors. The student Maroa Oeis was the host of the ceremony.

The first performance was by fourth grade female students, who chanted a song about Arabic language. Another performance by the student Ayash Zahead was about the Islamic sayings of music. The act was performed in English. Sheikha Jameela appreciated Ebdaa School work in organizing this Bazar as a regular event.
The Bazar has many humanitarian under tones and cultural and educational values such as emphasizing the concept of voluntarily work to youth. Sheikha Jameela was very happy to see visitors, especially students, interact positively in the Bazar. This year’s Bazar has a variety of products and activities that attracted visitors in large numbers.

Mrs. Nadia abu Asbah, who is in charge of the Bazar, provided Sheikha Jameela with a tour on the different sections of the Bazar. Mr. Waled remarks about the event were insightful. He said: “The Bazar plays a vital role in emphasizing the concept of voluntarily work to youth. It encourages people to support people with disabilities. It is our responsibility to advance our society”. He advised other charities and corporations to follow the lead of the School of Creative Sciences and SCHS.
According to Ms. Maryam Said Radwan, Activities Coordinator in Ebdaa School, the participation of the public this year is enormous. Activities such as photography, painting, and acting were included. Products include handmade crafts, souvenirs, toys, and stories for children.

The Bazar is motivating visitors to provide assistant to those who need it. Mr. Jihad Abdel Qader affirmed that the Bazar’s has had a significant since its inception. Ebdaa School cares very much about providing financial support for those with disabilities and supporting the work of SCHS. He thanked Mr. Salah Bu Khatr and the school’s administration for their great trust and support to SCHS. He also thanked parents, Sharjah Educational Zone, and the Ministry of Education for approving the happening. Nadia abu Asbah pointed out that the schools efforts to raise students’ awareness regarding issues about the disabled through activities like the morning lineup and other activities. Thankfully, students’ response to these stimulations is great. Friday will be dedicated to the schools administrators and staff. Nadia hopes that other schools organize similar activities.

This entry was posted in Clicks and writes, Community Service, Sharjah City for Humanitarian Services.

Shorthand skills are a dying art – My Letters – THE NATIONAL – Dt. 16.03.2011 –

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My Letters – THE NATIONAL – Dt. 16.03.2011 – Shorthand skills are a dying art

To read the original article about Shorthand reffered in this letter , please visit The National online.

This entry was posted in Clicks and writes, Letters to the editor, Opinion 2011, The National.

KT Readerspeak – Is there a place today for reading and writing?

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KT Readerspeak – Is there a place today for reading and writing?

Welcome to the sixth edition of KT Readerspeak with a brand new topic for discussion to which our website readers, print loyalists and our Facebook community can contribute.

Just post your response below to the following question, write in to ktreaderspeak@khaleejtimes.ae or log on to www.facebook.com/khaleejtimes. This week’s question is:

Is there a place for reading and writing in today’s world?

My online comments as follows:

Volunteering and supporting remotely the 4th Used Book Fair organized by Sharjah City for Humanitarian Services I was able to send across a good collection of English, Arabic and French books for all ages to Manzil, a participating charity institution in the Fair.

With interest, I keenly followed up with the organizers each day the progress of this event.

The organizers did not end their efforts by merely setting up the stalls. SCHS had two interesting pavilions for children to showcase their reading and writing talent. One was specifically marked for children to draw a picture and write a short story on a specially designed paper. Each participating child was given a framed certificate enclosing their own creativity in it. It was really motivating small children to come and try their own skill at drawing and writing.

Another opportunity for children at the fair was a pavilion by SCHS to try and spell their names using Sign Language. A graphical representation was given to them and looking at it they could try and spell out their names. It was really a great experience as children, and even adults of all ages were made aware by this the value of speaking ability given to all of us.

The days of read aloud stories is dying slowly with the new age electronic generation which encourages short worded communication. However, events and activities such as these stand out and tells us that there exists a few special people who try their best to generate an opportunity for children to find a place in their life for reading and writing.

To read it online, please visit Khaleej Times Online.

This entry was posted in Clicks and writes, Community Service, Khaleej Times, Letters to the editor, Manzil, Opinion 2011, Sharjah City for Humanitarian Services.

Dhoni’s blunder – My Letters – Khaleej Times – Dt. 14.03.2011

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My Letters – Khaleej Times – Dt. 14.03.2011 – Dhoni’s blunder

 

My Letters – Khaleej Times – Dt. 14.03.2011 – Dhoni’s blunder

Dhoni’s blunder
14 March 2011

A review cannot be expressed more precisely than done in ‘Reverse Appeal’ (KT, March 13) on the match between India and South Africa. The writer hit the bull’s eye straight and open. A very good start and advantage by the top end batters was lost washed away easily by senseless batting and thoughtless bowling by pacers, except Zaheer Khan.

Captain Dhoni was batting like countrywomen washing clothes near the banks of the village pond, as if either the bat will get hurt or the ball. Not to say the golden gift of the final over. Even Tendulkar was an option for him under the circumstances. Having clear knowledge of Ashish Nehra’s fitness, Dhoni persisted with him by taking him into the playing eleven and then picked him for the crucial over. With smiles and easily playable balls he obliged making Robin Peterson a hero from nowhere. Dhoni had to invent words to cover his own vendetta of not playing Sreesanth, who always had done well against South Africa. It is time Dhoni admits his mistake and selects players according to merit.

-Ramesh Menon, Abu Dhabi

To read it in orginal, please visit Khaleej Times online.

This entry was posted in Clicks and writes, Khaleej Times, Letters to the editor, Opinion 2011.

Value of money – Short Take – GULF TODAY – Dt. 12.03.2011

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Value of money – Short Take – GULF TODAY – Dt. 12.03.2011

Whenever opportunity and time permits, I love to do voluntary work, supporting various social causes. Recently on travel, I had the opportunity to attend and serve in one such union of equal minds. It was a huge event happening inside a university compound and there were many volunteers from various parts of the world. Students from the university were also actively participating in it.
Food for all was supplied at a canteen installed for the purpose and had very delicious array of vegetarian food items with various fruit drinks and milk products.
During breakfast time, I was waiting in line for my turn, when I noticed a group of four boys, whom I had noted before for their enthusiasm, rushing in. They were in an adjacent queue and I observed one of them ordering four milkshakes for them. The cashier at the counter told the boy that it would cost him Rs. 60/ for four glasses. Suddenly, the face of the boy turned pale as he searched his pocket and then looked around at his friends, and then answered quickly. Sir, I will order only one, as we love to share our drink and it will taste better. It was obvious from his answer that they had only fifteen rupees within them as luxury to buy anything extra.
Watching this, tears rolled down from my eyes instantaneously, and I tried to intervene with the cashier and the boys asking them permission to buy them three more drinks so that each one can have one glass full. They were so persistent that they refused politely my offer and went on collecting the one single glass of milkshake sipping one after another its content.
It brought back memories to my college days where I had very limited pocket money and survived on whatever little available all throughout. It also brought memories to my own little son and his innocent demand of a vegetable burger long ago when I had not even Dhs5 in my pocket.
Value of money is one thing children have to be taught whenever an opportunity arises.
Ramesh Menon
To read it in original, please visit GULF TODAY online.

This entry was posted in Clicks and writes, Gulf Today, Letters to the editor, Opinion 2011, Short Take.

Success of the Fourth Used Book Fair a “Treasure of Knowledge” – a motivational factor to encourage reading habit

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Success of the Fourth Used Book Fair a “Treasure of Knowledge” – a motivational factor to encourage reading habit

Success of the Fourth Used Book Fair a “Treasure of Knowledge” – a motivational factor to encourage reading habit

About 40,000 Visitors Attended The Fourth Used Book Fair a “Treasure of Knowledge”

The Fourth Used Book Fair under the theme “Treasure of Knowledge”, which was organized by Sharjah City for Humanitarian Services (SCHS) a non-profit organization located in the UAE under the Director Generalship of Sheikha Jameela bint Mohammad Al Qasimi, concluded on Saturday, March 5th, 2011.

SCHS aims at providing education, advocacy, and independence for people with disabilities.

The doors of the festival were opened until midnight Saturday 5th March 2011 in order to receive the energetic crowd, who came to buy books at nominal price and to enjoy an evening with cultural and social activities held in the open air theatre.

Children from various schools seized this opportunity to show their real talents onstage.

The purchase of books were made easy using a coupon system, which then went into a lucky draw.

According to Jihad Abdel Qader, the fair’s General Coordinator, 4 LCD TV sets, 3 electronic dictionaries, 10 dinner invitations to the Mega Mall, 4 invitations to Khalidia Resort in Sharjah, 3 mobile phones, and 1 invitation to Armani Restaurant at Burj Khalifa, world’s tallest building, were given as winning gifts to a number of visitors on Saturday evening.

The intensive presence of visitors from day one of the fair was highly motivational to volunteers, who dedicated a lot of time and effort to make the event a success.

The aim of the event was to raise public awareness of the importance of reading to increase knowledge and develop minds. In addition SCHS will allocate the revenue generated by the sales to continue the humanitarian services the organization provides.

Salah Odaa, SCHS Sign Language Interpreter, pointed out the importance of this happening in relation to culture and education. It has many goals such as bringing people together. Mr. Odaa handled the sign language interpretation for a number of SCHS deaf students, who volunteered to work in festival security. He considers the large number of visitors was a clear indication of people’s interest in knowledge and culture and grab the limited opportunities available to enhance them. Seeing the success of this years event, the public is demanding for more such festivals in the future.

It was Kholod Mohammed from SCHS’s Vocational Rehabilitation & Training Department first time in the festival, but it won’t be the last. She supports the goals of the festival. She thinks the idea is brilliant. Kholod suggested, in the coming circle of the festival, to create new activities in order to attract more visitors. These activities will target small children to motivate them to show more interest in reading. Some of the current festival activities include themes like “Know Your Name in Sign Language”, “Young Writer”, and the fictional character “Katoobah” were especially there to target the interest of children. The character was suggested by Kholod.

Young Writer: A Workshop of Innovation

This activity was the suggestion of Babris Abeash and Sandra Hassin from Sharjah Autism Center. The activity attracted children from ages 6 to 15.

Girls were more interested in the activity than boys. They appreciated the importance of this festival in relation to culture and socialization. The idea of the activity is to ask small children to write their own stories. Then, supervisors ask those children about the plot, the characters, and the theme of the story. English and Arabic stories were accepted. In order to stimulate kids, they were given small cards with “Young Writer” written on them.

Mothers of the Disabled Board Contribution

Mrs. Fatahia Abu Aqlean, the mother of Ahmed Sheqar, a down syndrome child, was grateful to mothers of the disabled, who volunteered to work in the festival with great enthusiasm. The fair has united the community in one activity. The festival aims at changing public’s misconceptions about people with disabilities and motivating parents to support their loved ones. Mrs. Majdah Hassim, the mother of Ahmed Hussain who is mentally disabled, was happy with this humanitarian initiative. She thanked SCHS staff. She said: “The initiative is good and effective. It is a very important kind of charity that serves the community and raises the value of books.”

Visitors Opinions

SCHS has always been a place for culture and science, but it is unique to provide books at reasonable prices with the intention of encouraging reading in order to continue the development of the community. All revenues from the festival will go to support the services provided for people with disabilities. This is really inspirational.

Mr. Mohammad Shaker, the father of Abdel Kareem who is mentally handicapped, confirmed the importance of the intensive presence of visitors in the success of the festival.

In addition, the festival accomplished its main goal, which is raising the value of books. He said: “The festival has several cultural meanings such as redistributing books for those who like to read but cannot afford that kind of luxury”.

He appreciated the work of volunteers, who were competing amongst each other to sell as many books as possible.

By each step it takes, SCHS is becoming a leader in organizing such events. It genuinely deserves much credit for spreading knowledge, culture, and supporting people with disabilities.

Mrs. Khadeja Bamakhramah, Personal Assistant of SCHS’s General Director, affirmed that many new charities were attracted this year to participate in the festival. Chinese residents in Sharjah volunteered to collect books and help sell them. In addition, the festival hosted two poets from Egypt.

A questionnaire was given out to visitors who were pleased with the activities and demanded to extend the duration of the festival for one week next year. Mrs. Bamakhramah said: “We hope to host representatives from Arab and gulf countries in the coming years. This year we managed to attract a huge crowd with different nationalities. The festival is indeed a “Treasure of Knowledge”.

Report and photos presented by:

Ramesh Menon, Abu Dhabi
Volunteer for SCHS
Volunteer for Manzil

In co-ordination with:

Shaundel Sanchez
Sharjah City for Humanitarian Services
http://www.schs.ae/
Media and International Relations
Shaundel@schs.org.ae

PS:  The 4th Used Book Fair 2011 organised by SCHS is an excellent example for case study by Management students and organisations as to how an event of this nature could be successfully conducted generating huge interest with limited sponsorship offerings and unlimited, tireless and devoted volunteering by a group of dedicated individuals.

To know more about Sharjah City for Humanitarian Services, please visit http://www.schs.ae/ 

To know more about Manzil, please visit www.manzil.ae

This entry was posted in Clicks and writes, Community Service, Manzil, Sharjah City for Humanitarian Services.

Photo Speaks – Start of a new season

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Photo Speaks – Start of a new season

The date palm trees have flowered. It means a new season is beginning. Winter, although its cold these days, will be over soon. It will be gone with the dust storms and then the summer and the month of June, the summer holidays. By the time, one finishes his holiday and returns from home, it is time for the holy month of Ramadan. Then comes Eid Al Adha and by then the flowers will all be grown, full and ready to harvest.

A season completes its circle so fast and life also progress along, like that of a clock.

Wish you all great days ahead.

Ramesh Menon
07.03.2011

This entry was posted in Clicks and writes, Exploring Abu Dhabi, Photo Speaks.

Sharjah Used Book Fair to conclude today – Khaleej Times Dt. 04.03.2011

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Khaleej Times Dt. 04.03.2011 – Sharjah Used Book Fair to conclude today

4 March 2011 SHARJAH — The fourth edition of the Used Book Fair, organised by the Sharjah City for Humanitarian Services, will conclude today at Khalid Lagoon.

The book fair being held under the theme, “The Treasure of Knowledge,” aims to promote the value of books as well as to highlight the importance of facilitating, acquiring and developing a culture of reading in the community.

The used books are offered between Dh1 and Dh20, and all the books are provided by school students.

“Since last October, we distributed circulars in schools requesting students to donate their old books for the fair. We are open to all books in any language as long as they are not academic ones,” said Jihad al Taher, head of the organising committee.

The fair with 120 stalls by 52 schools and 53 organisations has more than 500,000 books on display.

The availability of quality readable books of different languages and topics at reasonable price has attracted lot of book lovers to the fair.

Children from schools visited the fair during the morning hours and families took the place during evening hours.

A centre stage is available for children to showcase the talent during the event days.

Notable amongst the stalls is one by the SCHS, where children can write their own stories with illustrations and get a certificate from the SCHS. There is also a stall set up by the SCHS whereby children can spell their name using sign language. Book displays include stalls by Manzil, Art of Living, Creative Mums, Embassy of Japan,
Chinese Community and other organisations and schools.

To read it in original, please visit Khaleej Times online.

This entry was posted in Community Service, Khaleej Times, Letters to the editor, Manzil, Opinion 2011, Sharjah City for Humanitarian Services.

വിജ്ഞാനനിധി പുസ്തകച്ചന്ത

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വിജ്ഞാനനിധി പുസ്തകച്ചന്ത

Posted on: 01 Mar 2011

ഷാര്‍ജ: ഷാര്‍ജ സിറ്റി ഫോര്‍ ഹ്യുമാനിറ്റേറിയന്‍ സര്‍വീസസിന്റെ ആഭിമുഖ്യത്തില്‍ മാര്‍ച്ച് ഒന്നുമുതല്‍ നാലുവരെ ഉപയോഗിച്ച പുസ്തകങ്ങളുടെ ‘വിജ്ഞാനനിധി – പുസ്തകച്ചന്ത’ നടത്തുന്നു.

ഷാര്‍ജ ലേക് ഖലീദിലെ പാം ഗാര്‍ഡനിലാണ് പുസ്തകച്ചന്ത. രാവിലെ പത്തുമണി മുതല്‍ രാത്രിപത്തുമണിവരെയാണ് സന്ദര്‍ശന സമയം.

നിരവധി സ്‌കൂളുകളും സര്‍വകലാശാലകളും പരിപാടിയില്‍ പങ്കെടുക്കും.

വാര്‍ത്ത രമേശ്

This entry was posted in Community Service, Letters to the editor, Mathrubhumi, Opinion 2011, Sharjah City for Humanitarian Services.

കാരുണ്യ കൂട്ടയ്മയോരുക്കി ഷാര്‍ജ പുസ്തകമേള

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This entry was posted in Community Service, Events Covered and Reviews, Malayala Manorama, Sharjah City for Humanitarian Services.