In Sharjah, the commencement of the eighth edition of the media training program “Ithmar” marks a significant milestone in nurturing young talent in the field of digital content creation. This initiative, targeting students aged 10 to 17, emphasizes producing short videos and digital content, fostering a generation that is both informed and skilled. “Ithmar” aims to cultivate media awareness while collaborating closely with various governmental entities to enhance practical learning experiences.
A Comprehensive Training Approach
This Monday, the eighth iteration of the “Ithmar” media training program kicks off, organized by the Sharjah Press Club under the auspices of the Sharjah Government Media Bureau. With the objective of empowering students and enhancing their media capabilities, the program seeks to unearth young talents while instilling vital media awareness among the youth demographic.
The current edition of “Ithmar,” spanning a month, features a series of specialized workshops designed to equip participants with the skills necessary for creating engaging short videos and digital content. These workshops align with the rapid evolution of the media landscape and the growing influence of digital platforms in message dissemination and knowledge sharing.
Hands-On Learning Experience
This year’s “Ithmar” program places a strong emphasis on practical application, allowing students to produce short videos in collaboration with various governmental bodies in the Emirates. The recorded materials will address topics relevant to these institutions, providing participants with an invaluable opportunity to gain insights into diverse organizational roles and transform knowledge into appealing media content.
Empowering Young Voices
According to Tarek Saeed Alai, Director General of the Sharjah Government Media Bureau, “Ithmar” reinforces its position as a premier platform for discovering young media talent. The program seeks to refine students’ skills, empowering them with the tools necessary for expression, presentation, dialogue, and content creation. Alai highlighted that this eighth edition aligns with the rapid changes within the media and digital content sectors by focusing on short video production, a highly effective communication tool among younger generations.
Furthermore, involving governmental organizations in the practical aspects of the program offers students insights into crucial societal issues, enabling them to simplify complex topics into digestible content while promoting awareness across various digital platforms.
Engaging Workshops and Activities
The first week of the program, running from July 6 to 9, 2026, will feature four specialized training workshops held in different locations across Sharjah. The agenda kicks off with a workshop on “Producing News Reports” at Al Majaz Theatre “Gallery X,” followed by a session on “Creating Digital Content for Social Media” at the Chamber of Commerce.
Additionally, the workshops will include “Photography and Visual Storytelling,” scheduled at the Photography Pavilion, culminating with “Capturing Attention: Turning Simple Ideas into Eye-Catching Content using AI Tools” at the Al Majaz Theatre “Studio.” This carefully crafted agenda aims to transition students from theoretical knowledge to organized practical application.
The new “Ithmar” edition seeks to build a comprehensive training experience, allowing students to transition from learning to production by collaborating in teams, developing concepts, crafting messages, capturing visuals, and presenting content in an impactful manner. The program further fosters self-confidence among participants, enhancing their expression, dialogue, teamwork abilities, and responsible, informed interaction with digital media tools.
“Ithmar” continues to transform its workshops into distinct practical experiences for selected participants, particularly those from previous “Ithmar” courses who have demonstrated a keen interest in short video production and readiness to engage actively.