On Wednesday, 31st, December, 2008, a conference was held in Sharjah Cultural Palace to prepare for the 3rd Used Book Festival, which is organized by SCHS for 3 days next March in Al Qasbah Cannel. Both Mona Abed Kareem the head of attracting public schools committee and Mohammed Faouzi the head of attracting private schools & universities committee spoke.
Mrs. Mona started her speech by thanking public and private schools for their interest in this cultural phenomenon which was launched by His Highness Shaikh Sultan Bin Mohammed Al Qasimmi, a member of UAE Supreme Council, Governor of Sharjah. Its main purpose is to plant the concept of voluntary work in the minds of students.
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.
Books' prices will range from 1 to 10 AED, which is affordable by everyone. This was the key factor in the success of the festival in its two previous circles, which witnessed contributions from public & private schools and foreign & Arab clubs.
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 in the festival.
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, highness revenue, and the most committed.