Jamal bin Huwaireb, CEO of MBRF, meets with participants of Dubai International Program for Writing
23 February 2024 – His Excellency Jamal bin Huwaireb, CEO of Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Knowledge Foundation (MBRF), met with the female participants of the Dubai International Program for Writing (DIPW) at the ‘Children’s Story Writing’ workshop held at TAQA Productions’ Studio in Mirqab, Kuwait.
The meeting came as part of the MBRF’s visit to the State of Kuwait. During the meeting, which was also attended by Salem Al Owais, head of DIPW, and Hooda Shawa, trainer and writer, H.E. Bin Huwaireb recognized the efforts of the participants in crafting children-focused stories that capture their attention and pique their interest in both writing and reading.
His Excellency Jamal bin Huwaireb said, “Organizing DIPW workshops and sessions comes in line with our strategy to develop creative writing among participants, improving their writing skills, particularly for children’s stories. By doing so, DIPW seeks to produce literature works that grab the interests of children as well as cultivate and develop their passion for reading and knowledge. The visit is a step towards strengthening bilateral collaboration and advancing the MBRF’s mission to foster cross-border knowledge exchange and promote creativity among young minds.”
The sessions of the ‘Children’s Story Writing’ workshop in Kuwait produced six stories written by DIPW’s trainees. This includes ‘Azif Al Mujazef’ by Jehan Ali; ‘A Tiger in Diwaniyah’, by Sarah Abdelhamid; ‘Trouble in Neighbors’ Garden!’ by Nesma Sharif; ‘Balloon with Eyes’ by Balqis Haider; ‘Bayyud’ by Fajr Sabah; and ‘Dafdoufa Jumps in Joy’ by Noura Didan.
Over the course of four months, the workshop was successful in providing a participatory environment that provided women writers with access to a variety of technical options for storytelling. This included the choice of subject and title, the appropriate tense, and first- or third-person narration. Trainees learned how to depict the character in the story, craft the plot, and select a poignant ending that will be etched into the reader’s memory. The stories discussed during the workshop covered a range of topics, including climate change. The topic of climate change was chosen by DIPW as a motto for the current session in light of the growing concern over climate change and the need to combine global efforts to address its challenges as well as avoid its catastrophic effects on people and the environment for sustainable development.
During MBRF’s visit to Kuwait, a high-level delegation from the Foundation, led by the CEO, had a discussion with Dr. Khaled Mahdi, the Secretary-General of the Supreme Council for Planning and Development, where the parties’ explored prospects for collaboration on projects that would raise the level of knowledge of citizens in both countries. They also discussed ways to share experiences and knowledge in the fields of education and scientific research, as well as to develop strategies that improve the quality of education and advance knowledge in the region. Furthermore, they also discussed the significance of coordinated efforts in initiatives and projects that support the transfer and dissemination of knowledge in the region.
The proposed partnership between the two parties is expected to contribute to the exchange of resources and expertise in the implementation of joint educational and research projects, the development of training programs, and the exchange of experiences between teachers, trainers, and researchers. This will further contribute to advancing education and knowledge and strengthening human capacities in both countries, thereby driving the region’s overall sustainable development and innovation.
DIPW will provide training for young talents in writing arts and methods by continuing to host numerous workshops in the UAE, Kuwait, Egypt, Tunisia, and Morocco. Since its inception in 2013, it has achieved extraordinary results, including producing award-winning books and literary findings.
