The Arab Reading Challenge (ARC) initiative declared retaining online interactive sessions on Instagram to promote reading among students as the coronavirus (Covid-19) pandemic brought cities throughout the world to a lockdown.

Through eight interactive sessions in the course of the holy month of Ramadan, childrens books authors, professionals and media figures will address a range of subjects on reading and share suggestions on book selection, storytelling and writing.

The sessions, to broadcast on Instagram each and every Tuesday and Friday at 10:30pm UAE timing on ARCs Instagram account (@arabreading), intention to motivate the habit of reading as hundreds of thousands of kids throughout the world stay home amid the coronavirus (Covid-19) outbreak that led to global school closures.

The sessions will promote discussions with students and parents and foster a reading habit to enhance wellness and spark childrens creativeness amid lockdown.

Haya Al Qassim, childrens author, to host two sessions titled How to pick out the proper book for a childs age? and When to begin reading for our children? said, The online classes provides an essential platform to enrich young viewers with engaging discussions and summaries on books. We target to produce content that will entertain and gain families in the course of the holy month of Ramadan.

She added, It is our responsibility now, as writers, intellects, journalists and media figures, to make use of contemporary technology and social media platforms in sharing our knowledge with youth while we stay home in these difficult times.

Safia Al Shehhi, Emirati TV presenter and author, who will host three sessions titled How reading saves us during crises?, The magic of writing and How to tell your story?, said, It is an honor to make contributions to promoting the habit of reading amongst school students. Along with other authors, we goal to leave a optimistic influence in the course of the holy month by spreading hope, ardour and expertise online and highlighting all the positive values we can discover in books.

Laila Al Maina, life coach, who will share tips on setting up self-confidence via reading and methods to adapt to changes, said, Reading is specifically essential during these challenging times as it improves our wellbeing, expands our skills and broadens our horizons. Hence, reading helps us make use of our time at home in enriching and developing our minds, diverting our focus away from any negative thinking or fear.

The Arab Reading Challenge, the largest-ever Arab reading initiative, was launched by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of UAE and Ruler of Dubai, in 2015 to promote the habit of reading among school students, develop self-learning and essential thinking and construct communication skills in the Arabic language.