In celebration of International Literacy Day 2024, Funun Arts Group, in collaboration with Park Regis Kris Kin Hotel, Dubai, hosted a groundbreaking event under the theme “Promoting Multilingual Education: Literacy for Mutual Understanding and Peace.” The event, a milestone in the UAE’s cultural and educational landscape, gathered youth leaders, distinguished guests, and artists from various fields to emphasize the power of multilingual education in fostering global unity and peace. Recognizing that literacy extends beyond just reading and writing, the event underscored literacy as a fundamental human right that empowers individuals, fosters social inclusion, and serves as a bridge between cultures.
The gathering was honored by distinguished guests of honor, Ms. Harjyot Oberoi Bohra, Head of Marketing and Communication at Khaleej Times, Mr. Ahmed Al Awadhi, a legendary Emirati artist and businessman, and Mr. Anjani Prakash Laitu, a celebrated artist.
In addition to these luminaries, a host of esteemed guests, including educators, artists, and thought leaders, participated in this significant event. Notable attendees included Ms. Crystal C. Goodwin, Vice Principal of North American International School, Ms. Mara Firetti, Founder of Firetti Contemporary, Dr. Fatima Beena, Senior Lecturer at De Montfort University Dubai, Ms. Ayesha Shaik, Founder and Director of AES Edu Marketing Events Network, Ms. Zahra Habibizad, Founder of O4 gallery, Ms. Charul C Jaitley, Ted x speaker and author, Ms. Tessy Koshy, Editor of the Middle East Masala blog, Ms. Saida Bano, HOD, ISCS, Sharjah, Ms. Mussarat Yasmin, HOD, Arts , NAIS, Dubai, Ms. Maria Komal, HOD Art , Dubai Gem Private School, Ms. Yuvika Garg, Ms. Kavita Sriram, Ms. Soobika Fawad, Ms. Stefania Pomilo,(Artists, art educators and mentors), Dr. Poonam Chauhan, Ms. Pari Sagar, Ms. Mankush Shrivastav, Ms. Veena Nair, HOD, English, Delhi Private School Sharjah and Ms. Aditi Tiwari, HOD, English Dubai Gem Private School
The event was structured into four distinct segments: Youth Panel Talk, Senior Panel Talk, Live Art Session, and a Pledge Campaign, with each section contributing to the overarching theme of promoting literacy through linguistic inclusivity.
The youth panel featured vibrant discussions led by students from schools across the UAE, including Dubai Gem Private School, Delhi Private School Sharjah, North American International School, and the International School of Creative Science, Sharjah. Youth speakers from Bronte College in Canada, including Arina Zakharova and Nirada Charoonuk, shared their insights on the global importance of multilingual literacy via Zoom, accompanied by their principal Ms. Anne-Louise Power and Dr. Nafisa Motiwala, an art educator.
The youth speakers who shared their insights were Fatema Saifuddin, Eimaan Fatimah, Naba Fatima Jawad Raza and Angelina Geor from Dubai Gem Private School,
Mohd. Huzaifa Khan, Nitish Kasireddy, Syed Humayl and Khwahish Punjabi from Delhi Private School, Sharjah. Rojeen Waleed and Ali Imran, from North American International School. Aafiya Faisal Abdul Wahab, Amelia Ali, Ayesha Ahmed, and Yomna Ghanem from International School of Creative Science, Sharjah
These young voices passionately expressed how literacy in multiple languages equips individuals to communicate effectively in an increasingly interconnected world. They highlighted how multilingual education fosters inclusivity and enables students to thrive in a multicultural society.
The senior panel featured esteemed professionals from various fields who provided valuable perspectives on the significance of promoting multilingualism in education. Ms. Crystal C. Goodwin, Ms. Mara Firetti, Dr. Fatima Beena, Ms. Zahra Habibizad, Ms. Ayesha Shaik and Ms. Charul C Jaitly were among the influential voices that discussed how linguistic diversity in educational curricula can create more inclusive societies, foster cross-cultural dialogue, and contribute to global peace efforts.
In a celebration of artistic expression, a live art session was held, with artists creating works that reflected the themes of literacy, education, and multicultural harmony. The live art demonstrated how visual creativity can complement linguistic literacy, further bridging cultural gaps and uniting people through shared experiences.
Shiba Khan, Founder and Director of Funun Arts Group, highlighted the long-term vision: “Multilingual education holds the key to overcoming the educational barriers that exist for countless individuals around the world. By empowering people to learn and express themselves in their mother tongue, we foster a more inclusive, peaceful, and understanding global society. Today’s event is just one small step towards that goal, and by involving youth, we believe they will be the torchbearers for a brighter, more unified future.”
Mohd. Huzaifa Khan, Co-founder of the Youth Creative Minds Hub, added, “Literacy forms the foundation of learning, yet millions worldwide are still denied this right. By integrating multiple languages into educational systems, we can create inclusive classrooms where all students feel represented and valued, ultimately contributing to long-term peacebuilding efforts.”
