This year, the Sharjah Children’s Reading Festival (SCRF 2024) is championing sustainability, unveiling a series of workshops designed to inspire children of all ages to significantly reduce their household waste and turn it into pieces of art and useful items. These sessions not only introduce the principles of the circular economy but also empower participants to creatively repurpose everyday refuse into something useful.
“Recycling is important to save the planet and reduce pollution. They teach us at school,” shared nine-year-old Mohammed, a participant in two workshops who is keen to continue his eco-educational journey. He gleefully described transforming a milk carton into a birdhouse, hoping to attract nesting pigeons to his balcony. “I hope the pigeons lay some eggs in my birdhouse.”
Burhanuddin, another young attendee, learnt how to convert a tissue box into a toy car using straws, bottle caps, a balloon, and glue. "It was fantastic. I plan to make more cars and race them with my friends," he exclaimed.
As climate awareness grows, children are becoming increasingly sensitive to global weather changes and local and international environmental sustainability efforts. Schools and parents are playing pivotal roles in this educational push, but through this festival the Sharjah Book Authority and the Ministry of Education are amplifying the message and spreading it further.
Spanning 12 days, the festival features the Go Sustainable pavilion, where budding eco-warriors can engage in a variety of workshops. Here, children learn to craft artistic masterpieces from discarded items, candle holders from plastic spoons, to mats woven from single-use plastic bags.
"The response has been incredible," said Ismail AlAhmad, an instructor at the pavilion. “The children are using their imagination to make things and also sharing their thoughts and ideas on how other objects at home can be converted into something useful. Our workshops are running at full capacity and it is heartening to see children taking part in the activities.”
Hosted by the Sharjah Book Authority, the festival is a highlight of the UAE’s cultural calendar, offering over 1,500 activities. Beyond its focus on sustainability, the event provides a holistic approach to child development in an era dominated by digital technology and consumerism.
Activities range from mascot appearances and concerts to workshops, panel discussions, and more, all aimed at enhancing environmental awareness among the youth.
This engaging festival, rich with educational and cultural experiences, is free to attend and continues through May 12 at the Expo Centre Sharjah, promising to enlighten and inspire a new generation to face modern-day challenges with innovative and sustainable solutions.
