The Qatari Ministry of Education and Higher Education recently hosted over 500 students for the 8th session of the ‘Illuminations’ initiative, focusing on enhancing reading habits among the youth. The event, held in celebration of World Book and Copyright Day, aimed to unpack five key aspects that will help bolster reading habits among Qatar’s young population.
The theme of this year’s ‘Illuminations’ session was ‘Khairo Jalees,’ which translates to ‘the best companion,’ highlighting the multitude of benefits of reading. Participants, including students, parents, educators, and publishers, discussed topics such as reading for learning, self-development, and fun, as well as the role of libraries and platforms in encouraging reading in the digital age.
One parent, Reem Al Bader, emphasized the importance of the family in fostering reading habits among youth in Qatar. She acknowledged the challenges posed by the fast-paced digital age but also expressed optimism about the role of technology in promoting reading and listening skills.
Aisha Jassim Al Kuwari, CEO of Rosa Publishing House and Director of the Qatari Forum for Authors, praised the Ministry’s efforts to highlight the rights and roles of authors within the community. She encouraged attendees to prioritize reading, stating that “to be a distinguished writer, you must be a distinguished reader.”
During the conference, students shared their experiences of how developing a regular reading habit has improved their academic performance. Abdullah Mohammed Al Berri, a student who has memorized the holy Quran, expressed his interest in pursuing writing in the future, focusing on Islamic history and Qatari customs and traditions.
The ‘Illuminations’ session concluded with Maha Zayed Al Ruwaili, the ministry’s Assistant Undersecretary for Educational Affairs, commending the speakers for their positive contributions to the dialogue. The event highlighted the importance of promoting a culture of reading among young people in Qatar.