Tunis: The Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Knowledge Foundation (MBRF) successfully completed the 'Children's Literature Workshop,' launched by the Dubai International Programme for Writing (DIPW), one of the Foundation's leading knowledge initiatives.
According to Emirates News Agency, the workshop was held over four months in Tunis, the capital of Tunisia, and was led by Dr. Wafa Thabet Mezghani. It witnessed participation from individuals interested in children's literature and its various formats. Participants engaged in interactive, hands-on training sessions focused on brainstorming, feedback, and assessments. With the guidance of professionals, they refined their ideas from initial concepts to complete children's stories ready for publication and distribution.
Jamal bin Huwaireb, CEO of MBRF, emphasized that the initiatives of DIPW align with the Foundation's mission to support intellectual and creative growth across the Arab world. He stated that the 'Children's Literature Workshop' reflects their belief in investing in emerging talent and equipping them with the skills needed to excel in specialized writing. These efforts are crucial for building knowledge-driven Arab societies prepared to meet future demands. The Foundation remains committed to developing innovative programs that empower youth and contribute to the local and global literary and knowledge landscape.
The workshop included four in-person training sessions, each lasting over three days. It combined practical and theoretical exercises aimed at writers of all skill levels, covering topics such as the history of children's literature, literary genres, age-specific content, and pre-writing planning. Participants explored character development, setting, plot structure, narrative styles, and perspectives. They also received guidance on titling, editing, book cover design, building an author brand, and marketing.
This workshop marks the second edition in Tunisia and the third across North Africa. It featured remote monitoring, which included reviewing participants' manuscripts and providing guidance on the self-editing process. This hybrid approach allowed trainers to deliver high-quality mentorship, assisting participants in producing polished content that meets the standards of Arab and international libraries.