QNA
Doha
The 8th session of the ‘Illuminations’ initiative, launched by the Ministry of Education and Higher Education (MoEHE), focused on the theme of ‘Best Friend’ and discussed five key topics: reading for learning, self-development and joy; reading in the digital age; reading and society; the role of libraries and platforms in encouraging reading habits; and challenges and suggested solutions to promote the culture of reading.
This initiative served as a platform for educators to engage in panel discussions addressing pedagogical and academic issues of common concern. The goal was to generate effective and inspirational development ideas that could be incorporated into the MoEHE’s plans and educational policies.
The 8th session coincided with World Book and Copyright Day on April 23 and was attended by several MoEHE officials, more than 500 students from both genders, teachers, parents and school principals. During the session, CEO of Rosa Publishing House and head of Qatari Forum for Authors at the Ministry of Culture, Dr Aisha Jassim Al Kuwari, praised the ‘Illuminations’ initiative for providing a platform to explore innovative solutions to various issues.
Al Kuwari articulated the pivotal role of publishing houses in fostering a culture of reading within society. She emphasised the symbiotic relationship between reading and writing, asserting that exemplary writers are also avid readers. Al Kuwari underscored the imperative of making reading a lifestyle in Qatar, envisioning a community of erudite citizens who have access to diverse learning sources.
Despite the rapid advancement of digital technology, Al Kuwari emphasised the enduring significance of printed books. She pointed to the burgeoning number of young authors in Qatar as evidence of the vitality of the reading community. Addressing concerns about social media platforms competing with traditional books, Al Kuwari reassured young people that these platforms serve as supplementary tools rather than substitutes for books, primarily used to introduce released versions.
Al Kuwari outlined the key criteria for book selection and publication, emphasising authenticity, accuracy and objectivity. She highlighted the role of a supervisory technical committee in determining publication criteria, emphasizing the need to promote the role of libraries through beneficial events to cultivate a reading momentum.
As CEO of Rosa Publishing House, Al Kuwari stressed the importance of collaborative efforts in nurturing a knowledge-based community through the promotion of reading culture. She described reading as a shared responsibility among individuals, community organisations, and state institutions. Al Kuwari commended students’ engagement with reading, recognising its role in fostering authorship, publication, and strengthening the overall reading culture in society.
