Students at work on the occasion.

Muhammad Yusuf, Features Writer

In celebration of International Literacy Day 2024, Funun Arts Group, in collaboration with Park Regis Kris Kin Hotel, Dubai, hosted an event under the theme “Promoting Multilingual Education: Literacy for Mutual Understanding and Peace” (Sept. 12). The occasion, another milestone in the UAE’s cultural and educational landscape, gathered youth leaders, distinguished guests and artists from various fields to emphasise the power of multilingual education in fostering global unity and peace. Recognising that literacy extends beyond only reading and writing, the happening pointed to literacy as a fundamental human right that empowers individuals, fosters social inclusion, and serves as a bridge between cultures. The gathering included guests of honour Harjyot Oberoi Bohra, Head of Marketing and Communication, Khaleej Times; Ahmed Al Awadhi “Rukni”, legendary Emirati artist and businessman; and celebrated artist, Anjani Prakash Laitu.

Other attendees included educators, artists and thought leaders. Among them were Crystal C. Goodwin, Vice Principal of North American International School (NAIS); Mara Firetti, Founder of Firetti Contemporary gallery; Dr. Fatima Beena, Senior Lecturer at De Montfort University Dubai; Ayesha Shaik, Founder and Director of AES Edu Marketing Events Network; Zahra Habibizad, Founder, O4 gallery; Charul C. Jaitley, Tedx speaker and author; Tessy Koshy, Editor of the Middle East Masala blog; Saida Bano, HOD, ISCS, Sharjah; Mussarat Yasmin, HOD, Arts, NAIS, Dubai; Maria Komal, HOD Arts, Dubai Gem Private School; Yuvika Garg; Kavita Sriram, Soobika Fawad; Stefania Pomilo; Dr. Poonam Chauhan; Pari Sagar; Mankush Shrivastav (all of them artists, art educators and mentors); Veena Nair, HOD, English, Delhi Private School Sharjah; and Aditi Tiwari, HOD, English Dubai Gem Private School.

The event was divided into four segments: Youth Panel Talk, Senior Panel Talk, Live Art Session, and the Pledge Campaign. The youth panel featured discussions led by students from schools across the UAE, including Dubai Gem Private School, Delhi Private School Sharjah, North American International School, and the International School of Creative Science, Sharjah. Youth speakers from Bronte College in Canada, including Arina Zakharova and Nirada Charoonuk, shared their insights on the global importance of multilingual literacy, via Zoom. They were accompanied by their principal, Anne-Louise Power and Dr. Nafisa Motiwala, art educator.

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Youth speakers who shared their insights were Fatema Saifuddin, Eimaan Fatimah, Naba Fatima Jawad Raza and Angelina Geor from Dubai Gem Private School; Mohammed Huzaifa Khan, Nitish Kasireddy, Syed Humayl and Khwahish Punjabi from Delhi Private School, Sharjah; Rojeen Waleed and Ali Imran, from North American International School; and Aafiya Faisal Abdul Wahab, Amelia Ali, Ayesha Ahmed and Yomna Ghanem from the International School of Creative Science, Sharjah. The young voices passionately expressed how literacy in multiple languages equips individuals to communicate effectively in an increasingly interconnected world. They highlighted how multilingual education fosters inclusivity and enables students to prosper in a multicultural society.

The senior panel featured professionals from various fields, who provided perspectives on the significance of promoting multilingualism in education. Crystal C. Goodwin, Mara Firetti, Dr. Fatima Beena, Zahra Habibizad, Ayesha Shaik and Charul C. Jaitly, were among the voices that discussed how linguistic diversity in educational curricula can create more inclusive societies, foster cross-cultural dialogue, and contribute to global peace efforts.

In a celebration of artistic expression, a live art session was held, with artists creating works that reflected themes of literacy, education, and multicultural harmony. The live art performance demonstrated how visual creativity complements linguistic literacy, further bridging cultural gaps and uniting people through shared experiences. Shiba Khan, Founder and Director of Funun Arts Group, highlighted the organisation’s vision. “Multilingual education,” she said, “holds the key to overcoming the educational barriers that exist for countless individuals around the world. Today’s event is just a small step towards that goal. We involve youth since they are the torchbearers of a brighter, more unified future.”

Mohammed Huzaifa Khan, Co-founder of Youth Creative Minds Hub, said that “by integrating multiple languages into educational systems, we can create inclusive classrooms where all students feel represented and valued, ultimately contributing to long-term peacebuilding efforts.” The event was an example of the ongoing collaboration between Funun Arts Group and Park Regis Kris Kin Hotel Dubai, both with mandates to create a better society through initiatives that promote education, creativity, and social cohesion.

Michael Chan, General Manager of Park Regis Kris Kin Hotel Dubai, said that “literacy is a critical component of communication, and communication is the foundation of understanding and peace.” Harjyot Oberoi Bohra underlined that “literacy, especially when multilingual, allows us to not only communicate effectively, but also understand and appreciate the diverse perspectives that enrich our lives.” Farah Khan, Co-founder and Creative Designer of Funun Arts Group, said that “Funun Arts Group is a platform dedicated to nurturing creativity, promoting artistic expression and empowering artists across the UAE. Our mission is to build a community where art, education, and cultural diversity come together to inspire and uplift.”

The pledge taken on the occasion reads, in part: “Every book, every word and every conversation has the power to break down barriers, nurture empathy and create a more peaceful, inclusive world. As educators, students, policymakers and community leaders, we must work together to champion multilingual education in schools and institutions; support literacy programmes that cater to linguistic diversity; and advocate for policies that promote language inclusivity in education. By doing so, we create a world where every voice — no matter the language — is heard and valued.”