The interactive summer program “عطلتنا غير,” organized by the Sharjah Club for Classic Cars in collaboration with the Sharjah Sports Council, has garnered significant attention from over 18 community, cultural, and health organizations. This initiative not only highlights classic automobiles but also aims to engage youth through a variety of activities and workshops, making “عطلتنا غير” a vibrant hub of creativity and learning during the summer months.
Engaging Activities and Themes
The program kicked off with the “أنا مبدع” week from June 30 to July 3, focusing on enhancing participants’ artistic sensibilities. This was followed by “هنا الشارقة,” which ran from July 7 to July 10, featuring field trips to iconic Sharjah landmarks. Week three, titled “أنا المجتمع,” took place from July 14 to July 17, promoting values of belonging and responsibility among the youth. The fourth week, “أنا رياضي,” scheduled for July 21 to July 24, emphasized physical fitness and mental agility, ultimately concluding with “أنا المستقبل” from July 28 to July 31, which showcased innovation, technology, and artificial intelligence.
A Comprehensive Educational and Recreational Platform
Aisha Al Qassab, head of the Sharjah Summer Sports Program “عطلتنا غير,” stated that during the first three weeks, the program has established itself as a comprehensive educational and recreational platform. She expressed, “The tremendous interaction we’ve seen reflects the commitment of institutions to the role of youth. The diverse participation ranges from workshops on awareness and education to sports and healthcare, enhancing the overall experience and opening new avenues for participants. The Sharjah Club for Classic Cars is dedicated to raising awareness among the younger generations.” Al Qassab also extended gratitude to all supporting organizations that have contributed to providing an exceptional experience, instilling values of knowledge, culture, health, sports, and connection to heritage.
Diverse Workshops and Educational Lectures
The program featured numerous activities, including awareness workshops on traffic safety and legal culture led by the Sharjah Institute of Driving. The Sharjah Heritage Institute hosted educational workshops focusing on local cultural heritage, while interactive workshops from the Arts Foundation aimed to foster the creative talents of children and youth. The Sharjah Museums Authority conducted cultural sessions, and the Zayed Higher Organization for People of Determination offered workshops highlighting the accomplishments and active contributions of this segment of society. Additionally, Mohammed Bin Hamad Al Sharqi School conducted educational workshops centered on the “Year of Community.”
Furthermore, the Ministry of Health and Prevention provided an informative lecture on the importance of nutrition and physical activity, while the Saad Association, aimed at reducing traffic accidents, held a session to raise awareness about safety rules. The General Authority of Islamic Affairs and Endowments in Sharjah conducted religious lectures, reinforcing the significance of spiritual growth among participants.
Health and Sports Initiatives
On the health front, the Emirates Foundation – Sand conducted a specialized workshop in first aid, enhancing participants’ health knowledge and emergency response skills. The University Hospital offered medical support with a specialized nurse available every Monday and Thursday. Meanwhile, the Medical Guide Center performed health check-ups for participants and distributed memorabilia to encourage health-conscious behaviors. In the realm of sports, the Self-Defense Club organized physical activities during the “أنا رياضي” week, while the Al Hamriya Sports and Cultural Club hosted two days of swimming lessons.
Community Visits
The program also included field visits to the Social Services Department in Sharjah and Hamriyah, as well as a trip to an elderly care home to promote values of compassion and community belonging. Additionally, the Agriculture and Livestock Department contributed products, including “Mleiha milk,” further enhancing the program’s community-oriented approach.