On 19 and 20 December 2016, The Child Center-Gaza/AMQF celebrated World Arabic Language Day, annually observed on December 18. The event aimed to enhance the status of the Arabic language in children’s daily and school life and nurture their love of their mother tongue.
Children took part in a number of literary, cultural and art activities organized by the Center for the occasion, most notably Souk Okaz, an event named after the famous marketplace in ancient Arabic tradition where poets met to present their innovations in poetry and prose. At the heart of the Souk’s tent stood CCG’s library, where flocked children and visitors of all ages.
The event also featured many activities for elementary and secondary school students, including “The Mural of Letters”, “Without Dots”, “A Beautiful Handwriting” and “Anecdotes from Arabia”. Kindergarteners also had the chance to participate in activities like “Fish a Letter!”, “A Picture and a Word” and “Arts and Crafts”.
Tuqa Abu Silmiya (14 years), a child participant at the event, said she was proud to have Arabic as her native language. She noted that it was important to preserve it and to use it soundly. Abdullah Maqat (11 years) agreed. “I wish to become an Arabic teacher when I grow up,” he added.
In addition to the main event, CCG organized a literary evening entitled Sail, on 20 December 2016, during which the children’s House of Literature Club read a number of their literary creations.
The celebration also spread outside the Center, encompassing children from six zones across the Gaza Strip where CCG conducts its “Child-Friendly Areas” project through joint funding with the United Palestinian Appeal (UPA). These areas are: Beit Lahiya in the north; Al-Samouni to the east; Al-Migraqa and Al-Salqa Valley in the center; Al-Manara neighborhood in Khan Yunis; and As-Salam neighborhood in Rafah.
CCG has been celebrating this occasion for five years in a row now, since 2012, when the UNESCO declared 18 December of each year a World Day for the Arabic Language.