In an ever-evolving world, the Organization of Islamic Cooperation for Education, Science, and Culture (ISESCO) emphasizes the importance of constructing generational awareness and shaping the future through support for creativity. With a mission focused on sustainable cultural and intellectual development, ISESCO is leading the charge to empower young minds with the tools they need to navigate the challenges of the modern age, fostering innovation and responsibility within their communities.
Empowering Youth Through Education
ISESCO’s regional office in Sharjah has highlighted that fostering creativity and innovation, along with nurturing a rich intellectual environment, is pivotal in building an empowered and aware generation that is in harmony with its community and surroundings. According to Salem Omar Salem, the Director of the ISESCO regional office in Sharjah, equipping the new generation with knowledge and cultural tools is a fundamental aspect of the organization’s vision. He emphasized that the current period, especially during summer vacations, presents a valuable opportunity to enhance skills and awareness through programs that blend education, entertainment, and community interaction.
Innovative Initiatives Linking Science and Culture
Salem pointed out that ISESCO places the empowerment of children and youth at the heart of its initiatives. These include innovative programs that merge science with culture, fostering critical and creative thinking while addressing environmental issues from a standpoint of social responsibility. He noted that this perspective on the balance with nature is deeply ingrained in our Islamic culture.
Connecting Youth to Core Values
Furthermore, the director mentioned that the programs implemented by the office, in collaboration with various educational, cultural, and scientific institutions, aim to provide stimulating knowledge content that connects youth to their authentic values and prepares them to understand contemporary challenges. He stressed that supporting creativity in areas such as art, scientific innovation, and sustainability projects has become a developmental necessity rather than a luxury. Awareness of environmental issues, climate change, and the green economy should commence in schools, neighborhoods, and summer camps, establishing a foundation through interactive educational methods based on experience and participation. This is what ISESCO strives to enhance through its summer initiatives aimed at youth.
Building Knowledge Bridges Through Activities
Salem underlined that the regional office is focused on building knowledge bridges between children and their community through activities conducted in summer camps, museums, and scientific centers. He noted that organizing environmental workshops, visits to natural sites, and awareness projects concerning waste management and renewable energy effectively expand children’s awareness of contemporary issues and connect them to their surroundings.
Long-Term Investment in Values and Creativity
He elaborated that ISESCO is committed to the belief that culture extends beyond books and curricula; it manifests in daily behaviors and individual decisions. Therefore, instilling environmental values, cultivating a sense of creativity, and enhancing critical thinking among children is considered a long-term investment in nurturing proactive citizens who will engage in future policy-making.
Sharjah as a Model for Child Empowerment and Environmental Protection
Salem Omar Salem concluded by stating that the regional office of ISESCO in Sharjah will continue its diligent efforts to support cultural, scientific, and creative activities targeting children and youth, in collaboration with educational and community institutions. This aligns with the organization’s broader vision and the goals of Sharjah Emirate, which has established itself as a leading model in nurturing children, protecting the environment, and empowering individuals through knowledge and education.