Sheikha Bodour opens Early Childhood Literacy meet

Sheikha Bodour Bint Sultan Al Qasimi, Founder and CEO of Kalimat Group, inaugurated on Thursday the second edition of the Early Childhood Literacy Conference in Sharjah. Organised by Kalimat Group in partnership with the National Academy for Childhood Development and sponsored by National Paints LLC, the event runs from October 10 to 12 at the Higher Education and Scientific Research Council.

- Gulf Today, Staff Reporter

As the first conference of its kind in the Arab world, it marks a major milestone in advancing early childhood education. Bringing together leading experts from around the world, the 2-day event explores innovative ways to integrate songs, stories, play, arts, and technology into Arabic language learning.

The programme presents comprehensive, research-based approaches to teaching Arabic in early years, examines the growing role of artificial intelligence and digital tools in supporting literacy and language development, and highlights how children's literature and folktales shape identity and nurture a lifelong love of reading.

In her keynote address, Sheikha Bodour Al Qasimi said: "Sharjah's vision, guided by His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan Bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah, sets language at the heart of identity. Teaching Arabic in early childhood is about fostering communication and a sense of belonging. Through this conference, we are building modern, creative ways to help children grow and develop, feeling confident in their language, culture and their future."