On Wednesday, 18th, February, 2009, a conference was held at Sharjah Women Union as part of the preparations for 3rd Used Books Festival, which is organized by SCHS in Al Nakheel Park from 4 to 7 March, 2009. The instructors were Mrs. Mona Abed Kareem & Mr. Mohammed Faouzi.
Mr. Mohammed Faouzi started the conference by thanking all public and private schools for taking interest in this cultural event, which is organized under the patronage of His Highness Shaikh Sultan Bin Mohammed Al Qasimmi, who is doing his best to plant the concept of voluntary work in the minds of people with special needs and normal people alike.
SCHS has been the first institution to initiate the Used Book Festival in April, 2006 in United Arab Emirates. This festival has two main objectives. The first one is to encourage the habit of reading by making books available for everyone. The second one is to raise funds for SCHS by collecting as many books as possible in addition to the paintings, posters, and photographs donated by others.
SCHS is very concerned in making disabled students participate in the festival. Therefore, it has been sending invitations to students' parents to attend the festival and to bring their children along. This will give students the chance to educate themselves by reading. They will mingle with other people as well.
On the other hand, donated books should be intact. Newspapers, periodicals, and text books are not acceptable. Students should give the books to their school administration after registering their names in donation's log. The dead line for handing books is 20th, February 2009. Any school providing 2000 books will be given a good spot at the venue.
Books' prices will range from 1 to 10 AED in general. However, new books with hard cover will cost more than 15 AED. It is a very reasonable price that anyone can pay. This will make the festival a great success as the previous two circles in 2006 and 2007, which witnessed an intensive participation from public and private school.
The names of participating schools will be published in colored fonts in Al Khaleej Newspaper, Al Manal Magazine, and SCHS's website. The mass media will cover the event and will appreciate the work of schools. Acknowledgment will be given to individuals who donate more than 20 books. Souvenirs will be given to schools according to best organization, highest revenue, and the most committed.