In a remarkable achievement, Myaar Mohamed Ragab Othman, a student from Kafr El-Sheikh, Egypt, has secured the top spot in the 10th edition of the Arab Reading Challenge. Competing against millions of participants, her victory highlights the cultural importance of reading initiatives in the Arab world. Following this event, we spoke with renowned author Fatima Al-Madoul to discuss the significance of fostering a love for reading among children and the various ways to encourage their engagement with literature.
Playing and Learning: The Path to Literacy
Fatima Al-Madoul emphasises that nurturing children’s passion for reading and the arts should be grounded in play and spontaneity. She argues against transforming cultural activities into mere school assignments or highly competitive contests. Instead, Al-Madoul points out that a child’s exploration of the world begins through activities such as drawing, singing, and playing, well before they learn to read. For this reason, reading and the arts should act as extensions of these natural experiences.
Reading as a Joyful Choice
In a conversation with “Youm7,” Al-Madoul noted that children can develop a love for reading by engaging with stories and cultivating discussions about them, perhaps even turning them into theatrical performances. Rather than presenting these activities as academic obligations, she advocates for maintaining reading and artistic pursuits as spaces for enjoyment, discovery, and choice.
Regarding cultural competitions for young readers, Al-Madoul expressed a preference for formats that are simple and laid-back, steering clear of excessive competition. She remarked that winning a contest does not necessarily signify that a child is the most talented among peers and that not winning should not diminish the abilities of other children.
The Role of Family in Childhood Success
Al-Madoul also highlighted that a child’s success in any field is often supported by family involvement, which can sometimes lead to intensified pressure for achievement in areas such as sports, arts, or reading. She firmly asserts that reading should be an optional pursuit and not a burden imposed by competitive demands.
Addressing Linguistic and Cultural Needs
Al-Madoul brought attention to the need for a dedicated Egyptian children’s television channel, particularly for preschoolers, to foster a deeper understanding of the Arabic language in its Egyptian dialect. Observing the language skills of the recent challenge winner and another child debating homework, she raised concerns about the content Egyptian children consume, predominantly from Gulf or foreign sources, which may detach them from their local dialect and cultural context.
“Art is one of the most crucial elements in shaping a child’s cultural identity,” she stated, emphasizing that children need to engage with content that reflects their own experiences and environment. The development of a channel designed for children would not necessarily require extensive funding, as the Egyptian television network already possesses a wealth of educational content that can be repurposed effectively for young audiences.
The Importance of Genuine Expression in Arts
Referencing the artistic careers of legendary figures like Faten Hamama and Fairouz, Al-Madoul discussed the importance of maintaining spontaneity in a child’s artistic expression rather than imposing strict artistic frameworks. She noted that while Fairouz achieved significant acclaim in her early years, sustaining that level of success as she grew older was not guaranteed. Conversely, Faten Hamama limited her early roles, preserving her naturalness in performance, which contributed to her lasting prominence in Egyptian cinema.
In conclusion, Al-Madoul reiterated that early childhood excellence in a specific area does not guarantee continued success in that field. She advocates for allowing children the freedom to express themselves authentically and insists that play, art, and reading should remain avenues for joy and exploration rather than arenas for constant pressure and competition.