Teen literary champions from the ‘Voices of Future Generations’, a UNESCO initiative supported by Her Highness Sheikha Hessa bint Hamdan bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Goodwill Ambassador for the Middle East, and backed by the Emirates Literature Foundation, delved into the transformative power of writing, and how children can use their creative talents to shape their futures and influence society, during a panel discussion titled ‘Writing for Change’ at the ongoing 15th edition of the Sharjah Children’s Reading Festival (SCRF 2024), on Tuesday.

Abdulkareem Ghazal, a winner in the VoFG competition and moderator of the session, shared with his audience his deep affinity for writing and reading. He described writing as “the most beautiful and magical world”, a realm where he can confidently and clearly articulate his views, ideas, and dreams. He engaged his fellow panelists, Aisha Humaid Al-Khayyal and Nourah Ahmed Al-Mushtaghil, in discussing their creative processes and triumphs. Al-Khayyal’s story Scarecrow Straw and Al-Mushtaghil’s story Underwater Magic, which secured the top prize in the ‘Most Intriguing Plot’ category, had won accolades at the competition.

Character development
Nourah Al-Mushtaghil emphasized the critical role played by children’s literature in shaping young minds. She recounted how tales like those of Aladdin and Sindbad and various animal stories played a pivotal role in her personal development, enhancing her emotional and intellectual growth, creativity, and even her life skills. She championed reading as a fundamental activity for children’s development.

Crafting compelling characters
Aisha Al-Khayyal outlined her approach to character creation in her stories. She said she focussed both on characters’ external appearances and internal attributes, ensuring they were grounded in reality rather than fantasy, which helps children relate to and draw inspiration from them. Al-Khayyal stressed the importance of selecting characters that resonate with her readers.

The power of young voices
Concluding the session, Abdul Karim Ghazal highlighted the transformative power of young writers. He argued that children can influence their societies and inspire their peers by channelling their thoughts, visions, and dreams into their narratives. “Our meeting today, with so many children present, signifies our ability to affect societal change through our stories and creative efforts,” he said, underscoring the impact of youth creativity on community and culture.