UAE- UAEBBY celebrates Hag Allaila with cultural reading sessions
Date
5/23/2016 5:05:11 AM
(MENAFN- Emirates News Agency (WAM))
SHARJAH, 23rd May, 2016 (WAM) -- Reading sessions, folk music and cultural workshops formed the UAE Board on Books for Young People's celebration of 'Hag Allaila,' conducted over the weekend in collaboration with Maktaba, an imprint of Kalimat Group, and Sharjah City for Humanitarian Services.
The literary organisation used the Islamic festive event that coincides with the night of mid-Sha'ban to instill a love of Emirati tradition in children and endear them to heritage-related Arab values, particularly those from the Gulf region.
UAEBBY's activity at Maktaba in Al Qasba included a reading session in which author Marwa Al Aqroubi, President of the UAEBBY Executive Board, recited from her book 'Ahmed El Helo' (Adorable Ahmad). The delightful story took the gathered children on a journey of heritage and culture by way of traditional Emirati folk music and songs.
Author, conceptual artist and researcher in Emirati heritage, Mariam Al Mazroui, read a number of folk tales known in Emirati tradition as 'Kharareef' to the children. Adding to the storytelling was a Burka (veil) creation workshop utilising dolls, which revealed how the garment can be fashioned in a simple way using traditional tools found in every Emirati house.
The UAEBBY Hag Allaila initiative at Sharjah City for Humanitarian Services saw a reading session being conducted for children with hearing impairment. During the activity, Emirati author Alia Al Shamsi narrated her book, 'Alayah', with the help of a group of sign language experts who interpreted for the gathered children. Afterwards, a drawing workshop was held in which the youngsters illustrated the story told by Al Shamsi using their own imagination and creative abilities.
Commenting on UAEBBY's Hag Allaila activities, Marwa Al Aqroubi said, "UAEBBY is always keen to celebrate this annual tradition as it is the perfect opportunity for us to illuminate and revere Emirati heritage. It enables us to link the present with the past and to instill a love of Arab and Emirati culture within children and young adults who will be able to preserve and safeguard it in the future."
WAM/Esraa/Moran