博客

The Sharjah International Book Fair (SIBF) 2025 witnessed a remarkable event as over 300 children aged seven to 18 launched their books, showcasing a diverse range of literary works. From anthologies and adventure tales to science-fiction novels, these young authors transformed their dreams and personal reflections into published works. The launch ceremony, organized by Learners Circle, an edtech platform, brought together students from two schools and independent authors, highlighting the success of virtual writing workshops initiated during the pandemic.

Among the standout authors was Shaun Zechariah Anthony, a Year 10 student at St Mary’s Private High School in Ras Al Khaimah, who won the Writathon 4.0 writing competition. His book, which explores the journey of a shy boy embracing his true self, resonated with many. Shaun’s passion for storytelling earned him a PlayStation 5 as a prize, though he aspires to become a scientist in the future.

The event also featured Fatima Shakur, who launched her adventure-themed poem, expressing her disbelief at becoming a published poet. The launch included group projects like ‘Poetronica,’ a poetry collection by 208 young writers, and ‘Dreams Between Pages,’ an anthology by 33 students of New Indian Model School. Additionally, 70 children released individual titles across various genres.

Shankar, founder and CEO of Learners Circle, shared that the initiative began as a home project during the Covid-19 lockdown to keep children creatively engaged. The book launch at SIBF was not just about publishing manuscripts but celebrating the boundless creativity of young minds. “Every child has a story to tell. We simply give them the platform and guidance to tell it,” Shankar remarked.

Lifeguards in the UAE are facing significant challenges, including language barriers and unrelated duties, which experts say could compromise their ability to ensure safety at aquatic facilities. Professionals and safety authorities across the country are emphasizing the need for continuous training, vigilance, and clear communication to address these issues. Charne Schnetler, Client Service Director at Ellis & Associates, highlighted the importance of lifeguards remaining focused on swimmer surveillance rather than being distracted by tasks like taking orders or setting up pool furniture. ‘A lifeguard who doesn’t see someone in distress can’t rescue them,’ Schnetler said. Emma Jane Forrest, Business Development Director at the same organization, added that regulations now reinforce the connection between training and readiness, mandating at least four hours of in-service training per month. ‘Consistent, ongoing training is what determines whether a lifeguard can react effectively when it counts,’ Forrest noted. Ahmed El Sandoby, Senior Safety Officer at Dubai Municipality, explained that the emirate’s beaches operate under a comprehensive safety framework, including a colour-coded flag system, trained lifeguards, and clear signage. Despite these measures, communication remains a persistent challenge, particularly with non-Arabic-speaking tourists. Omar Al Sultan, Lifeguard Operations Manager at Khidmah, said that language barriers can delay quick responses during emergencies. To address this, Khidmah prioritizes recruiting multilingual lifeguards and conducts weekly drills and international certification programmes. Beyond Dubai, progress is being made in other emirates like Ras Al Khaimah, where initiatives like the Champs of the Beach Lifesaving Competition are promoting water safety and professional excellence among lifeguards.

At the 2025 Beijing Forum, Tan Eng Chye, President of the National University of Singapore, tackled the pervasive question: ‘Are Asians inherently better at mathematics?’ His response challenged the notion of ‘racial gifts,’ emphasizing that success in mathematics is rooted in educational systems rather than nationality or ethnicity. Tan highlighted how early exposure to rigorous math education and culturally ingrained learning practices in Asian countries contribute to their students’ exceptional performance in international competitions like the International Mathematical Olympiad. He argued that these achievements are a product of structured teaching methodologies, societal emphasis on academic excellence, and consistent practice from a young age. Tan’s insights underscored the importance of educational frameworks in shaping mathematical proficiency, urging a shift from racial stereotypes to a focus on systemic improvements in global education.