Inspiring a new generation of children's books Authors, Illustrators and Publishers
Inspiring a new generation of children's books Authors, Illustrators and Publishers
“Warsha” is a pioneering initiative launched by the Etisalat Award in 2013 on its fifth anniversary. This initiative aims to discover and nurture a new generation of Arab talents in the field of children's books, including authors, illustrators, and publishers who target the age group between 0 and 18 years old.
Heralding a major leap forward in the promotion of authentic Arabic children’s literature, The Etisalat Award allocated 300,000 dirhams for the “Warsha” initiative, which aim is to support and inspire a new generation of writers, illustrators, and publishers who are passionate about creating Arabic books for children and young adults in the infant to 18 year age range.
The goal is to motivate the creation of short stories, picture books, and novels that offer children doorways to fantastic and imaginary worlds and that and ultimately instil a love of Arabic books into the hearts of children for generations to come.
This innovative programme will offer workshops in Illustration, Writing, and Publishing with the aim of building the capacities of young individuals in the creation of books that are both rooted in local Arabic culture and that soar to meet international standards. The workshops will be presented in the UAE and abroad by internationally acclaimed trainers and specialists in the fields of Children’s and Young Adult literature.
Click below Download button to get free Warsha workshop Booklet.
Download BookletIn 2013, on the fifth anniversary of the Etisalat Award, the UAEBBY launched “Warsha – Etisalat Award Workshop for Children’s Books.” The ground-breaking initiative aims to find and nurture a new generation of talented Arab authors, illustrators, and publishers of Arabic children’s books targeting the 0 to 18 age group. With an investment of AED 300,000, Warsha seeks to support those who are passionate about Arabic books for children and young adults. It aims to build the skills and competence of young individuals in order to facilitate the creation of books that are rooted in local Arabic culture and that not only meet but surpass international standards – short stories, picture books, and novels that offer children a doorway to fantastic, imaginary worlds and that will ultimately instil a love for reading in generations to come.
The UAEBBY management will announce the winner within three months of the deadline for receiving entries, unless there are circumstances beyond the UAEBBY's control. Prior to the announcement of the winner, the UAEBBY will announce the shortlist. These announcements are made once the UAEBBY management endorses the decision of the judging panel. Since 2010, the winners of the Etisalat Award for Arabic Children's Books have been announced during the Sharjah International Book Fair.
Emirates Telecommunications Corporation (ETISALAT)
Founded in 1976, Emirates Telecommunication Corporation (Etisalat) provides telecommunication services in the UAE, and is one of the Middle East’s leading providers of telecom services, media and equipment.
The UAE Board on Books for Young People (UAEBBY)
The UAE Board on Books for Young People (UAEBBY) is the local branch in the United Arab Emirates of the International Board on Books for Young People (IBBY). Founded in Switzerland in 1953, IBBY is an international network of individuals and organizations.
