Initiatives that will help enhance reading among the youth dominated the list of recommendations put forward by members of the Sharjah Children Council (SCC) on Thursday.

"Children in Sharjah and the UAE need to be equipped with all the necessary skills and tools that will help unleash their creative potential," said the members during the council's 14th session (2015-2016) which was held at the Ruler's Court in Sharjah.

Taking place under the theme 'We Creatively Innovate Our UAE', the SCC hosted 61 council members to discuss concepts and ideas that will inspire children and help guide them towards a better future.

Let's Read Together, say children

The 14th session of the Sharjah Children Council (SCC) saw the launch of a new initiative called 'Let's Read Together' by Naaima Al Zarouni, the youngest member of the Sharjah Children Centres. The move was aimed at solidifying the role of reading in nurturing minds and developing generations equipped with knowledge and modern tools.

Reem BinKaram, Director of the General Department of Sharjah Children Centres, said: "The launch of 'Let's Read Together' comes in support of the Year of Reading initiative launched by the President, His Highness Shaikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan. It is in line with SCC's and the UAE's approaches in creating a new generation of readers passionate about science and knowledge."

The council members and guests discussed the importance of reading and its positive impact on developing creativity. Included among its recommendations and proposals were the need to activate reading clubs and encourage engagement with books in a way that simulates children's minds and allows for development.

Children at the council asked schools and communities in Sharjah to invest and equip themselves with tools that inspire children to think more creatively and intellectually.

A guest at the session, Noura Al Noman, a specialist in children and adolescent literature and founder and CEO of The Manuscript 5229 publishing house, said: "It's reassuring to see such bright pupils ready to lead our great nation into an endless sea of knowledge and development. Reading is a love of mine that has overwhelmed me ever since I was a child. I used to spend most of my time reading to acquire knowledge so that I could understand things that were happening around the world.

"I urge all children to invest their efforts in the pursuit for knowledge by reading as many books and demanding for more in order to create ambitions and hopes that create the most ideal and intellectual individuals and communities."

Another guest, Ali Al Saloom, founder of AskAli.com - which answers questions on all things Emirati - said: "I am extremely proud to be here with this distinctive body of Emirati children as part of this important cultural platform, which brings us together to share and exchange our experiences in the love of reading, science and knowledge. I urge children to find out their personal interests, desires and dreams, and act ... on them as this will encourage them on their way towards creativity and excellence and ultimately help them achieve their dreams and ambitions."

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