The National Library and Archives Organizes a Seminar on National Identity Enhancement with Creative Talents
As part of its cultural season program 2024,
The National Library and Archives Organizes a Seminar on National Identity Enhancement with Creative Talents
As part of its cultural season program 2024, the National Library and Archives organized a specialized seminar on enhancing national identity through creative talents. Since national identity acts as a force of cohesion binding members of society, strengthening it with creative talents and Emirati national symbols is our collective responsibility. The seminar highlighted that the great leaders of the UAE stand at the forefront of innovation, accomplishing notable achievements while pushing the nation to rank among the world’s most advanced nations. It’s essential that we look up to these distinguished and iconic leaders as examples, whose professional journeys inspire the next generation to strengthen our national identity.
Mrs. Iman Al Breiki from the National Library and Archives opened the seminar, highlighting that the UAE is proud of its symbols, as well as its creative and innovative people. She pointed out that the enhancement of national identity through creative talents has always been a positive national achievement that fosters students’ sense of pride. She added that it introduces young people to role models and encourages them to be creative for the benefit of the nation.
Speakers in the seminar included Mrs. Asma Ibrahim Al Blooshi, Specialist in Education Improvement in the Development of Education Section at the Department of Education and Knowledge (ADEK), and Mrs. Linda Ibrahim Wannous, Arts Enrichment Project Manager in the Talent Empowerment Section at ADEK.
Mrs. Asma Ibrahim Al Blooshi began the seminar by emphasizing the pivotal role of the UAE leadership in promoting national identity through its initiatives and projects aimed at instilling cultural and national values.
She talked about the causes of young individuals’ unawareness of their national identity, which involve outside influences, a lack of knowledge, and insufficient targeted activities. Furthermore, she emphasized the importance of educating young people about national identity by focusing on the UAE’s glorious history, ancient culture and traditions, as well as preserving the Arabic language, national values, principles, and symbols. She shed light on the essential elements for educating younger generations about national identity, including “I’m from the UAE”, which is a comic book introducing the children to the UAE and its historical landmarks. Mrs. Al Blooshi also mentioned “My Culture Is My Identity”, a series which consists of traditional stories related to Emirati national identity, and “I’m Emirati”, a story that educates children about the seven Emirates names and what they are known for.
Mrs. Al Blooshi referred to the national identity assessment of private schools, along with the story behind the innovative Majalis initiative and its significant role in promoting students’ identity. Finally, she spoke about Emirati Sanaa.
Then, Mrs. Linda Wannous spoke about “National Art Expressions”, a nationwide initiative aimed at fostering national identity through the arts. It seeks to mirror Emirati customs, heritage, and principles, while nurturing a feeling of connection to the country.
Mrs. Wannous pointed out that the program aims to strengthen students’ perception of national identity, enhance their understanding of the UAE’s history, values and culture, and showcase their artistic talents. The initiative encompasses a variety of subjects including visual arts, performing arts, written arts, age-old crafts and arts, and digital arts.
She also emphasized the initiatives of the program and the benefits they provide to students, noting a variety of Emirati artists involved in the program, such as Najat Makki, Obaid Suroor, Azza Al Qubaisi, and Mohamed Al Astad.
It is worth noting that the National Library and Archives has put together a variety of programs and efforts aimed at nurturing a sense of national identity by encouraging students’ creative abilities in writing, theatre, and other areas.
