DOHA: Twenty three schools have participated in a competition organised by Bloomsbury Qatar Foundation Publishing (BQFP). Students were invited to imagine their dream libraries and submitted ideas and illustrations for the first academic term of 2012.
There were 135 entries that ranged from well-researched pieces about library programmes for the community to promotion of printed books in a digital age to designs which included virtual reality reading chairs, robot librarians, reading halls under sea level and coffee reading corners.
The contestants also came up with imaginative concepts about bringing books to life and becoming a character on the pages of their favourite storybooks, said BQFP.
The spectrum of ideas addressed library audiences from all age groups and focused on facilities for readers with special needs. Many students spoke of the need to value cultural diversity and called for books from all languages to be made available.
Twelve students won the contest from grades 3 to 12 and 10 received honourable mentions.
The winners were welcomed to the Doha International Book Fair where they received their awards and were photographed at the BQFP booth.
Abdullah Khuraisat, Learning Resources Coordinator of Khaled Bin Ahmed Independent Prep School, said: “The minute we received Bloomsbury Qatar Foundation Publishing’s invitation, we were very keen to participate under our Principal Khaled Al Suwaidi’s supervision and my coordination; and we are glad that our Grade 8 student Al Hussein came out on top.”
Al Hussein Jaleel Eleiwy said: “I am always passionate about delving into both fiction and reality and telling my literary and scientific stories. I am very happy that I participated and won.”
Nadia Al Malki, Learning Resource Coordinator from Al Khansaa Girls’ Primary School, added that this competition has helped her motivate her students and work on improving their writing skills and choice of reading topics.
The Peninsula
