SBA opens volunteer registration for Sharjah Children's Reading Festival 2024

Gulf Today, Staff Reporter

The Sharjah Book Authority (SBA), in collaboration with the Sharjah Volunteer Centre, has announced the opening of volunteer registration to all nationalities in the 15th edition of the Sharjah Children's Reading Festival (SCRF).

Organised by SBA from May 1-12 at Sharjah Expo Centre, the event will feature a series of workshops and panels on children’s literature, while showcasing the latest local and international books that enhance children’s relationships with sources of knowledge and learning.

The SBA underscored its dedication to integrating volunteers each year, noting that volunteering has always been a pivotal factor in the festival’s success since its inception, embodying the spirit of collaboration and partnerships between the community and corporations to support Sharjah’s cultural project.

SBA said that volunteering is an authentic social value deeply rooted in Emirati culture and that it contributes to nurturing volunteers’ skills in mega event management and the fulfillment of the public's needs.

Volunteering also provides young women and men with the opportunity to acquire new skills, expertise, and knowledge through direct interaction with the public, exhibitors, and participants.

SBA remarked that individuals aged 18 - 45 years who are interested in volunteering are encouraged to register via the following link: https://sssd-volunteer.shj.ae/volunteers/opportunity_details/15241.

SCRF’s volunteers are expected to commit to the 12-day event, and they can choose between the morning shift from 09:00 am to 3:00 pm or the evening shift from 03:00 pm to 09:00 pm.

Volunteers will provide support and assistance to the festival’s participants and visitors, addressing the needs of the technical support and finance teams. They will also offer guidance to visitors regarding the festival’s activities, schedule, and venues within the premises of the Sharjah Expo Centre.

The 14th edition of the SCRF welcomed 150 volunteers, and each year the festival features a wide selection of events, including interactive workshops conducted by a number of experts specialised in assessing and nurturing children’s talents.

The festival welcomes a host of children’s and young adults’ authors, illustrators, and publishers.

It honours the winners of different awards, including the Sharjah Children’s Book Illustration Award, Sharjah Children’s Book Award, Sharjah Audio Book Award, and Sharjah Books for Visually Impaired Children Award.