"Summer of Innovation and Inspiration" has been revealed as the slogan of the 4th week of the cultural summer programme organised by the Ministry of Culture and Knowledge Development, launched under the patronage of its minister, Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan.

The programme is taking place at all cultural centres which will conduct workshops creating awareness of the importance of giving, along with others in the fields of theater, music, visual arts and literature, to promote social responsibility among participants.

Yasser Al-Gergawi, Director of Cultural Events Department at the Ministry, said, "The ministry, by teaching students about the importance of giving, aims to achieve two of the main objectives of its work plan for the year of giving and the general work plan of the programme. The first objective is to promote social responsibility among the students participating in the programme, in addition to their important role in serving their nation and contributing to its future development. The second objective is to instill the concept of giving among different age groups, by organising a number of workshops about giving, visits to hospitals and the elderly, donations and a theatrical play about goodness."

Al-Gergawi added that the events and activities will be preceded by the launch of a media campaign under the name, "Al Khair Fe Eyalna", which includes a number of short movies and media messages motivating the concept of giving through various media means and social media websites.

On a related note, students participating in the programme at the Ministry of Culture and Knowledge Development Centre in Umm Al Qaiwain distributed gifts to a number of workers with the participation of the centre's staff and supervisors. The Ministry formed a committee to assess and measure the performance and commitment of workshop supervisors, positive and negative aspects of the programme, and the level of participants' satisfaction in the cultural summer programme.

Ahmed Al Suraei, Head of the Cultural Centres Department and Supervisor of the events of the programme said that all the reports received so far by the Higher Committee, whether from supervisors, Heads of centres or parents, are generally positive and carry a number of suggestions for development which will definitely be studied for implementation in future sessions of the programme.

"Events this year transformed cultural centres into creativity hubs, attracting talent and enhancing the value of culture and arts for the new generations. The cultural centres, along with the specialised workshops, offer many general activities, trips and awareness lectures on volunteering, national service, happiness and the year of giving, which increase students' sense of pride, belonging and loyalty to their country and its wise leadership, in addition to deepening their cultural and knowledge background," Al Suraei added.

Meanwhile, Sheikh Ahmed bin Hamad bin Saif Al Sharqi praised the great efforts exerted by the Ministry of Culture and Knowledge Development, headed by Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, to promote cultural and knowledge awareness among all segments of society and its role in promoting national identity and values of loyalty and belonging among the younger generation.

During a visit to the Fujairah Cultural Centre to check the events of this year's programme, he was briefed by Sultan bin Malih, Director of the Cultural Centre in Fujairah and the teachers supervising the courses. He also met with participating students and their parents.

Sheikh Ahmed stressed the importance of supporting such programmes catering to all members of society and supporting creativity and talent in students. He also praised the role of the Ministry of Culture and Knowledge Development, highlighting the keenness of the programme to facilitate students' participation by providing free transport and direct communication with parents and guardians.