Summer camp promotes national identity through Arabic language

Dubai: More than 300 Arab students, majority Emirati, are being taught the values of national identity at the Watani Summer Camp, focusing on Arabic language, Islamic heritage and UAE history.

In its second week, the camp under the theme ‘My Language is my Identity’ at the New World Private School, is in line with the UAE Vision 2021 of all-round development while promoting national identity and cultural cohesiveness. The initiative was spearheaded in April by His Highness Shaikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, as an integrated strategy to establish the UAE as a global ‘centre of excellence’ for Arabic language.

The camp, under the aegis of the Watani Programme which organises educational and entertainment activities to promote the UAE’s national identity and practice of good citizenship, aims to imbue kids with the spirit and ethos of the country.

Speaking to Gulf News, Marwan Al Hashimi, Executive Director of Watani, stressed the role of Arabic language in developing national identity. He said, “Our national identity is linked to the Arabic language. The camp promotes Arabic as a tool that will enable our future generations to connect with our roots, society and values more effectively.”

The activities he explained include story and speech writing, lectures by Arab authors and field trips to newspapers premises.

The concept of national identity is present, but needs to be nurtured, said Asma Abdulnoor Al Janahi, Senior Coordinator of Events and Activity Facilitator at Watani.

She told Gulf News that various approaches are being used among kids aged 7-14. “Right from traditional crafts like telli [form of embroidery] to Classical Arabic [Fusaa], financial management, Ramadan etiquette, and Islamic values... Some students as young as 10 years old are vocal about issues concerning the UAE. We hope programmes like this equip them with the values they require to lead our country.”

Ali Saleh Saeed, General Manger of Bait Al Khair Society, a charity organisation and humanitarian services provider in the UAE, conducted a lecture on the value of zakat or charity. He told Gulf News that children need to know about this aspect that is deeply tied to Islamic culture and national identity. “We also promote the concept of volunteering so they can contribute to the community. Such values are important to the child’s foundation, helping him develop into a responsible citizen of the UAE.”

The Camp will conclude on 26 July, 2012.