Sunday, February 16, 2025 | Sha'ban 16, 1446 H
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EDITOR IN CHIEF- ABDULLAH BIN SALIM AL SHUEILI

FOSTERING CULTURAL PRIDE IN CHILDREN

Every time we attend a cultural festival, my children refuse to leave because they want to try everything in the traditional villages. They enjoy sitting with the elders, asking curious questions about our customs and traditions ISSA AL SHAMMAKHI, A father of four
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As global influences increasingly shape young minds, the need to strengthen Arab identity and citizenship among children has never been greater. While school curricula aim to foster such values, parents and educators believe they alone are insufficient. A true understanding of heritage and citizenship, they argue, requires real-life experiences that extend beyond classroom walls. Wafa al Saidi, a teacher of identity and culture, recalls a surprising moment in her classroom: “We were discussing traditional Omani architecture, and one student asked, ‘But teacher, why does this matter today?’ I realised then that textbooks alone cannot ignite pride in heritage, even when supported by extracurricular activities. Children need to see, touch and experience their culture in authentic contexts to truly connect with it and explain it to others.” Parents echo similar sentiments. Amal Yasser, a mother of two, emphasises the importance of cultural exposure: “When my children attended a local heritage festival, they were captivated by the traditional crafts and the stories of our ancient heritage shared by elders. That one day taught them more about our culture than weeks of lessons could.” Museums, national celebrations and heritage festivals provide meaningful opportunities for children to engage with their identity. Walking through the halls of the National Museum or watching a camel race during a festival allows them to experience their heritage, making it relatable and memorable. Event organisers also highlight the role of national gatherings in fostering unity and pride. A coordinator of the Sohar Cultural Festival, which runs for about a month, shared, “These events bring history to life. They’re not just about entertainment. Our goal is to create a sense of belonging and pride in our shared identity. It’s also an excellent opportunity to showcase our cultural aspects abroad.” Issa al Shammakhi, a father of four, agrees: “Cultural events are rich journeys for my children. Every time we attend a festival, they refuse to leave because they want to try everything in the traditional villages. They enjoy sitting with the elders, asking curious questions about our customs and traditions.” The path to raising children with a strong sense of identity and citizenship lies in a holistic approach. While school curricula lay the foundation, experiential learning through cultural events, museum visits and national celebrations builds the emotional and personal connections needed to internalise these values. By integrating these opportunities into children’s lives, we ensure they grow up not only aware of their heritage but deeply proud of it. This pride empowers them to carry their identity forward as responsible and engaged citizens, even creating digital content to share their culture abroad and ensure its sustainability.


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