Dubai, 24th November, 2015 (WAM) - In line with the declaration of President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan for the adoption of 2015 as a year of innovation, and upon directives of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, for the implementation of the National Innovation Strategy, and aligned to the celebration of UAE Innovation Week from 22 to 28 November 2015, an open day was hosted at Al Jalila Cultural Centre for Children (AJCCC) for kids who are members of the centre and guests to participate in innovation-focused activities.
The Centre hosted 40 children from Al-Qiyam Model School in Dubai, aged between 9 and 10 years, and encouraged them to participate in the activities of the Centre across all sections of AJCCC. Many children were busy at the robotics section while others were engaged in activities of recycling, doll making, learning to play musical instruments, learning how to build smart homes and control them with the push of a button. Children were learning about electricity and its functions, about how light and sound are formed. The activities sought to stimulate children and help them enjoy the act of creating and exploring. At the AJCCC Theater, children used paper, wood and plastic to create various shapes, colors and decorative dolls, and apply them on creative stories at the puppet theater. At the handicrafts section, children were involved in innovating new designs of boats using cardboard, sticks and glue. Another activity was to build an attractive house for birds. The participating group of children listened to audio books at the library, some of the stories were from: Thousands of Inventions, stories that highlight historic inventions. Children were educated on the concepts of gravity and architecture at the pottery section, while many engaged in building miniature versions of iconic landmarks like Burj Al Arab and Burj Khalifa. In the music room, children created their own innovative beats inspired from Emirati heritage. Dr. Mona Al Bahar, Board Member and Acting CEO of Al Jalila Cultural Centre for Children, commented: "Al Jalila Cultural Centre for Children is an integral part of the government, we are committed to the success of the initiatives planned by local and federal governments."''We are dedicated to the promotion of an innovative environment at AJCCC and we have established special events to coincide with the Innovation Week in the UAE. We are continuously hosting groups of children and nurturing their skills, helping them become more explorative, creative and artistic, widening their intellectual horizon through music, reading and building activities. We are an essential part of the Innovation Week, preparing the talent of tomorrow."Dr. Mona Al Bahar, added: "We believe that the spirit of innovation should be in-built in a child?s growing up years otherwise our society will lose their potential. At AJCCC, we embrace young creators and develop their talent and encourage productivity in line with the vision of the leaders of the UAE, we are preparing to become an innovative society."Copyright Emirates News Agency (WAM) 2015.
