Latest news with #GeneralDirectorateofEducation
Observer
08-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Observer
Summer art workshops unleash youth creativity
SUHAR: In a vibrant celebration of youth talent and artistic expression, the General Directorate of Education in Al Batinah North has successfully concluded its summer programme under the theme 'My Summer: Connection and Growth". The initiative brought together nearly 5,800 students from across six wilayats, transforming school halls into dynamic art studios that encouraged creativity, exploration and self-expression. Over two weeks, students immersed themselves in hands-on art workshops, including sculpture, pottery, plaster design, fabric painting and clay modelling. These sessions offered young participants the rare opportunity to engage with fine arts in a relaxed and stimulating environment, often unavailable in traditional classrooms. The workshops buzzed with activity and inspiration as students of various ages worked with brushes, clay and colour palettes. In the sculpture workshops, Ahmed al Balushi, 12 years old, carefully molded a piece of clay. 'When I touch the clay, it feels like I will not be able to do it but I succeed. It's like I'm creating something that didn't exist before.' Fatma al Maamari polished her pottery with pride. 'I was nervous at first, but my instructor helped me trust my hands and imagination. Now, I feel like a real artist,' she shared. The success of the programme was also credited to the skilled trainers who guided students through every stage from mastering the basics to applying advanced techniques. Their patient, interactive approach helped students develop both technical skills and confidence. At the fabric painting station, Sara al Shizawi mixed colours with care. 'Such workshop encourages me to direct my attention to the field of art,' she said. Said al Maqbali added the final touches to a large painting of a tree. 'This is where I pour my dreams,' he explained. 'I'll hang this in my room to remind myself that I can always create.' More than just art classes, the initiative was a transformative journey that empowered young minds to dream, express and thrive. This summer programme has clearly sown the seeds of creativity, promising a new generation of artists ready to leave their mark on the world starting from schools and simple workshops.
Observer
25-06-2025
- Observer
CREATORS OR CONSUMERS? Rethinking our kids' digital future
In a world increasingly driven by technology, one essential question stands out: Are we raising children to be the innovators of tomorrow, or merely the consumers of today? While many young people grow up swiping screens and playing video games, true digital fluency involves more than just usage. It's about creativity, problem-solving and building the technology that shapes our future. Fatma al Halonia, an educational supervisor, shared how students who participated in tech-based programmes showed genuine excitement and curiosity. 'These initiatives fuelled real interest and practical skills in innovation,' she said. This potential, however, needs guidance and structure. Introducing coding, robotics and AI in a creative and hands-on manner - starting at a young age - can transform a child's relationship with technology. According to Shifa al Saidi from the General Directorate of Education, 'Students showed impressive passion for programming and robotics, which enhanced their creative thinking.' The impact is even clearer when we hear from the youth. 'I learned how to turn an idea into a real tech project using Arduino,' said Yamama al Maamari. CREATORS OR CONSUMERS? Rethinking our kids' digital future Abdulmalik al Ghailani added, 'I gained skills that helped me think like an innovator - not just a consumer.' Mothers too are taking notice. Alta al Qartoobi expressed concern watching her kids spend time on computer games: 'I worry - will this fun time ever lead to something useful?' In contrast, Faiza al Nasri proudly spoke of her children using social media and AI tools productively: 'They started using workshops to build content, raise flowers, and even sell goods online. After years of support, we're seeing real outcomes.' These examples show the transformative power of exposure - when children are given tools, trust and mentorship, they move from being passive users to active creators. But access remains a challenge. Many such programmes are limited to select regions or top-performing schools. To truly shape a digital generation, inclusive innovation education must reach all children - regardless of location. The real question we need to ask is: What kind of digital future do we want our children to create? If we want them to lead, innovate and inspire, we must start nurturing them not just as users of technology, but as the architects of tomorrow's world. #Hands-on learning in robotics and coding fosters innovation #Parental support and early exposure matter greatly #Access to tech education must be inclusive and widespread.
Shafaq News
12-04-2025
- Politics
- Shafaq News
Iraq's Dhi Qar police chief: Third party behind teacher clashes
Shafaq News/ Dhi Qar's police chief attributed the recent violence during teacher protests to outside agitators. During a late-night reconciliation meeting with educators on Friday, Major General Najah Al-Abidi stated, 'It is not possible for someone to assault their father unless they are deviant,' referring to the incident and emphasizing the familial respect owed to teachers. In video footage reviewed by Shafaq News Agency, Al-Abidi asserted that neither the teachers nor the police were behind the unrest, instead pointing to a 'third party' that, he claimed, instigated the clashes. The Iraqi official also issued a public apology, pledging enhanced security measures for demonstrations to prevent what he described as 'saboteurs' from hijacking peaceful gatherings. Recent protests have erupted across several Iraqi provinces, including Baghdad, Basra, Al-Diwaniyah, and Dhi Qar, with teachers and public employees demanding improved wages, job security, and reforms to the current salary structure. Clashes in Dhi Qar left several participants injured, prompting a statement from the province's General Directorate of Education condemning the violence and urging authorities to protect educators' rights and prevent future incidents.
