Dubai, UAE, June 21: Emirates Literature Foundation launches the RGS Guildford Dubai Children’s Letter Writing Competition, which celebrates the power of a handwritten letter. The competition will give young people the chance to show off both their writing skills and their penmanship.
Ahlam Bolooki, CEO of the Emirates Literature Foundation said: ‘In a time of rapid change in the fields of technology and digital communication, the RGS Guildford Dubai Children’s Letter Writing Competition serves as a poignant reminder of the enduring power of heartfelt words. Amidst the rise of AI, this competition is a flag bearer that celebrates human connection and encourages us to slow down, reflect, and put pen to paper to craft messages that resonate on a profound level. It's a beautiful testament to the timeless art of letter writing, reminding us that even in a world driven by algorithms, the human touch remains unparalleled.’
Letters should be written to an author suggesting an alternative ‘beginning’ to an already published story/book. The competition is divided into three categories: Ages 8-10, 11-13, and 14-18. The deadline to submit letters is Monday 11 December 2023.
Clare Turnbull, Principal at The Royal Grammar School Guildford Dubai said: “It is our pleasure to be sponsoring another cycle of the RGS Guildford Dubai Children’s Letter Writing Competition. As pioneers in education, this year’s theme resonates with our belief in the power of beginnings. Encouraging young minds to embrace this notion opens doors to endless possibilities and fosters a mindset of growth, resilience, and curiosity. We are excited to see what is sure to be a very inspiring set of letters by the bright minds of UAE’s youth.”
Participants must be residents of the UAE and must be enrolled in full-time education, at school or in a home-schooling programme. Winners will be honoured at an awards ceremony during the Emirates Airline Festival of Literature in 2024. All first-place winners will have the opportunity to meet an acclaimed international author at the Festival. All winners will also receive an invitation to attend an Emirates Lit Fest session for free and book vouchers for personal use.
More information about the competition is available here.
About the Emirates Literature Foundation:
The Emirates Literature Foundation is a not-for-profit organisation which supports and nurtures a love of literature in the United Arab Emirates and the region, through a programme of varied cultural initiatives.
Established in 2013 by Royal Decree issued by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, the Foundation aims to foster a love for literature, with a focus on the Arabic language.
In line with the National Reading Policy of the UAE, the Foundation has implemented several long-term projects including the First Chapter, the School Librarian of the Year Award, KatebMaktub, and From the Inside Out, as well as conducting year-round student education programmes, book clubs and mentorship programmes. The Foundation’s previous initiatives included the 2020 International Literary Festivals Conference, the 2017 Dubai International Publishing Conference and the 2016 Dubai Translation Conference.
The Foundation is also the governing body of the Emirates Airline Festival of Literature, the UAE’s premier literary festival.
About the Emirates Airline Festival of Literature:
The Emirates Airline Festival of Literature is the Arab World’s largest celebration of the written and spoken word, featuring international and regional writers, poets, thinkers, and speakers from around the world. Over the last 15 years more than 2000 authors from over one hundred countries have spoken at the Festival. The Festival reached more than 380,000 people, in person and via live streaming. Sessions included Brian Cox, Oliver Jeffers, Bonnie Garmus, Jeffery Archer, Bolu Babalola. For the first time ever, the Festival has a guest curator, BAFTA nominated writer and poet, Lemn Sissay.
The aim of the Festival is to develop a culture of reading as an enjoyable habit in the UAE, and its efforts have been recognised through many awards over the years. By providing an equal platform for international and locally based talents, the Festival continues to build the literary landscape in the UAE and further afield.Alongside the main programme, the Festival organises an Education programme, reaching students across the seven emirates of the UAE. There are also student competitions, held in Arabic and English, which allow young people to showcase their skills through poetry, short stories and reading.
Held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohammad bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, the Festival is a key part of the Emirates Literature Foundation, which was established in 2013 by Royal Decree. In partnership with Emirates Airline and the Dubai Culture& Arts Authority (Dubai Culture), the Emirate’s dedicated authority for heritage, arts, and culture, the Emirates Airline Festival of Literature will be back in 2024. For information and updates about the Emirates Airline Festival of Literature visit the website: www.emirateslitfest.com
About the Royal Grammar School Guildford
Located in the centre of historic Guildford, UK, the Royal Grammar School Guildford is an independent day school for pupils aged 11 to 18. Its preparatory department is the nearby Lanesborough School for pupils aged 3-11. RGS dates its foundation from 1509 and has established a national reputation for academic excellence but also prides itself on its traditional values of decency and respect, supported by very strong extra-curricular activities. A dynamic and forward-thinking environment in which to learn, pupils develop flexibility of mind, resilience, leadership and teamwork and a range of skills appropriate for a rapidly changing, global landscape. RGS pupils emerge as confident, articulate and happy individuals who are prepared to meet the challenges of life at university and the future workplace.
www.rgsg.co.uk