Refreshing summer for Dubai kids as they explore new activities

Dubai: Karate lessons, an introduction to a new musical instrument, a shot at gardening and language classes – a wide range of new interests is being pursued by Dubai students holidaying all over the world, Dr. Abdulla Al Karam, Director General of the Knowledge and Human Development Authority, told XPRESS.

Dr Abdulla Al Karam, director general of the KHDA. GN Archives/Ahmed Ramzan

Enthusiasm

Speaking on the sidelines of the Nikon Kids Photo Club in Dubai last week, he said, “Thousands of students are participating in our summer campaign #8WeekStreak which encourages them to share what they learn and do during their holidays by using the #8WeekStreak hashtag on Twitter and Instagram. The enthusiasm from the kids has been overwhelming. Over the last three weeks, we’ve seen entries from all over the world, including Vietnam and Bulgaria, as they are learning new things out on vacation.”

He said, “In addition to encouraging children to try new things, we are also getting involved in their summer of learning. Every week, I join students in a different activity for #8WeekStreak.I joined them for a ski lesson at Ski Dubai earlier and now, we have the photography workshop with Nikon Kids Photo Club. Over the coming weeks, we will also have lessons in scuba diving lesson, wall climbing, and creative science concepts at Oli Oli Dubai. So, there’s a lot more fun activities in store.”

Narendra Menon, managing director, Nikon, said there was a reason why Nikon had organised the photo club. “Everyone is a photographer today, thanks to mobile phones which have become portable cameras. There is no differentiation between a photographer and the average person on the road in their intent to capture and share a photo. Earlier, there was a tendency not to share details if we traveled somewhere. The trend has changed now and people want their own photos to be as alluring as the ones they see. This gives them the incentive to work harder on their skills. The amalgamation of the social media and digital disruption has given photography a new prominence.”

Clickworthy. Students at the Nikon Kids Photo Club in Dubai

Menon said while mobile phones allow people to capture moments, it is not without limitations. “As they learn the basics, they gain more confidence. All this leads to a better understanding and a need to upgrade equipment. The camera emerges as a “pure photographic” solution which allows them to enhance their visual narrative.”

He said photography is a skill which needs to be worked on. “It gives me immense happiness to see kids here, learning.”