Tomorrow's World: 'Cleopatra is my role model'

The children of today are the adults of tomorrow. They shape the future and reflect our progress. What are the hopes and aspirations of our kids? How do they see themselves contributing to a better world? What do they feel, think, believe and desire? Every week we zoom in on the youth living in the Emirates, and hear what they have to say.

Children of the Week: Shahista and mahinoor amr al banna


Ten-year old Shahista Amr Al Banna is like a queen indeed. Not only does her name translate that way from Arabic, she also emulates the great empress of ancient Egypt, Cleopatra, as her ideal. Intelligent and talented, Shahista tries to please the people around her and strives for the best in anything she does. An academic achiever, she also enjoys singing, dancing, acting, drawing and playing tennis.

Younger sister Mahinoor is five years old and full of radiant joy. Sweet and shy, she adores her elder sister and wants to be just like her. They both study at The Apple International School in Dubai.

Shahista says:
I want to become a pediatrican, because I love looking after children. I don't want to see kids suffering from diseases or pain, so I would like to study to become a doctor to help children. The world is improving with new technology, so I want to grow up fast!

We moved from Cairo two years ago, and Dubai is a nice city to live. It's clean with lovely shops, buildings, parks and places to play. I like Egypt because it's my country. Visitors from all around the world come to see the pyramids, pharaohs, tombs, and museums. Although we speak Arabic, it's a bit different from how it is spoken here.

What I like about Dubai is my school. I have made friends with children from different countries. I am also quite excited about the upcoming school production of The Sound Of Music because I was selected to play the lead role. I will be enacting Maria, played by Julie Andrews in the movie. A lot of practice and hard work is involved, but I love singing, dancing and drama.

Being with my family is what makes me the happiest. My dad is a very hardworking man, and it is for our happiness, he decided to bring us to Dubai. He encourages me to study and learn languages, because good communication skills will help me. My mother is a beautiful and caring woman who looks after us. She teaches my sister and I about all the good things from our religion. Islam explains the values of right and wrong and respecting people.

My sister loves me a lot and wants to be like me. I like being her older sister, because I get to teach her about all the good things and take care of her.

Cleopatra is my role model because she was an attractive woman with a strong and smart personality. She succeeded in ruling Egypt with her three virtues — beauty, strength and intelligence.

What I want to see in the future is peace. We have had enough of wars, and I wish to see people being friendly. Spread love, not hate. My message to children is never be scared of wars, and have faith in peace. Love your parents and each other.

Mahinoor says:
I want to be just like my sister, because I love her a lot. She takes good care of me and plays games with me. It is nice to be the youngest, because everybody looks after me.

What I miss the most about Egypt is my grandmother. She used to play cards with me and tell me stories, so we had a lot of fun. In Dubai, I play on the computer with my sister.

Playing with my dolls makes me very happy. My father always buys me nice toys and takes me to fun places. My mother teaches me everything about ABC and how to behave like a good girl. You must always speak sweetly and respect your elders. Don't tell lies and do your prayers.