Qatar National Library (QNL) and House of Wisdom (HoW) recently collaborated at the 15th Sharjah Children’s Reading Festival to promote critical thinking among youth. The theme of the collaboration was ‘Hayy bin Yaqdhan: A Journey of Enlightenment,’ focusing on the Arabic literature written by Andalusian philosopher Ibn Tufayl. The booth set up by QNL and HoW took young visitors on an immersive journey of self-discovery through interactive stations, each representing key themes from the story of Hayy, a young boy raised in isolation on a deserted island by a doe.
The booth attracted a large turnout and was visited by prominent figures such as H H Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi and Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi. Huism Tan, Executive Director of Qatar National Library, expressed the Library’s commitment to promoting Arab literature and personal development through collaborations like this. Marwa Al Aqroubi, Executive Director of House of Wisdom, emphasized how literature and philosophy play a vital role in child development, with ‘Hayy bin Yaqdhan’ encouraging critical thinking and deductive reasoning in young readers, drawing from Arab and Islamic heritage.
Fatema Al Malki, Project Manager at Qatar Reads, highlighted the importance of the booth as a physical representation of how stories can bring people together. The collaboration with House of Wisdom aimed to showcase the shared Arabic and Islamic heritage, with a mini exhibition featuring rare copies of the novel in various languages obtained from Qatar National Library and private collections. The oldest copy of Ibn Tufayl’s novel dates back to the year 1721 CE, emphasizing the rich historical significance of the story and its enduring impact on readers throughout the centuries.
Overall, the collaboration between Qatar National Library and House of Wisdom at the Sharjah Children’s Reading Festival was not only a celebration of Arabic literature but also a testament to the power of storytelling in fostering critical thinking, research, and personal development in young minds. Through interactive experiences and rare book displays, the booth captured the essence of ‘Hayy bin Yaqdhan’ and its ability to inspire children to see the world differently, engage in research, and realize their full potential. This partnership exemplifies the ongoing efforts to promote literature and philosophy as tools for nurturing young minds and shaping their characters for the future.
