We were delighted to welcome 180 children from local primary schools to the Welcome to the Arab World Day at the Civic Centre in Newcastle on Monday. This was a wonderful start to the live events for the Express Yourself: North East Festival of Languages live events in March, which International Newcastle hosts and co-ordinates.
On 4th March, pupils from Newcastle schools found out about the peoples and places in the Arab World from the hugely engaging Jonathan Featherstone from Cambridge University, enjoyed learning to write Arabic calligraphy with artist Abu Yahya and had fun learning Arabic with Horton Park Academy teacher, Saleh Patel. All pupils received a free QFI ‘Write Arabic’ book as a leaving present.
They also met Durham University students Louis, Lucy, Sophie and Lydia, who are studying Arabic. There was a great exchange between the primary pupils and university students, asking them questions about their experiences of learning Arabic, visiting Arabic countries and what it was like to be at university. They showed real interest in learning the language, exploring the culture and sharing their enthusiasm and passion for learning.
We were delighted to have had this opportunity to spend time with the young people of Newcastle and talk to them about Arabic language and culture. We were impressed by their ability and enthusiasm to ask interesting and perceptive questions about language learning and life in the Arab world. We were especially struck by how quickly they picked up the Arabic phrases they were taught and their readiness to try out Arabic calligraphy.
Tony Calderbank, Qatar Foundation International
This was a brilliant event, which really inspired the children and introduced the Arab World in a fun and engaging way. It was a joy to be part of it and we are grateful to all the schools who participated, the presenters and staff from QFI for making it so enjoyable. Everyone learned something new and hopefully it will inspire them to continue learning and exploring Arabic language and culture within their schools, communities and beyond.
Declan Baharini, Convenor, Express Yourself: North East Festival of Languages and CEO, International Newcastle
Acknowledgements
The event was delivered free, thanks to partners from Qatar Foundation International and their staff were on hand to support the event on the day. Thank you to QFI’s Julia Sylla, Tony Calderbank, Anneliese Claire, Jill Lomano and Aida Ridanovich for all your support.
Thank you to the schools, pupils, teachers and teaching assistants participating in the day: St Paul’s CofE Primary School, Gosforth East Middle School, Our Lady and St Anne’s Catholic Primary School and Moorside Primary School.
Thank you also to Sarah Edgar (School Effectiveness, Newcastle City Council) and Declan Baharini (International Newcastle) and the staff at Newcastle Civic Centre for all your work to make the day a success.
