Dar Al Atta’a Association announced the winners of the 20th edition of the Let’s Read Writing Competition yesterday , Monday June 15th , in Muscat.
The ceremony was held under the auspices of Sheikh Rashid bin Ahmed al Shamsi, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Social Development for Family and Community Development Affairs. It was attended by Maryam bint Issa al Zadjali, Founder and Chairperson of Dar Al Atta’a Association, along with board members, distinguished guests and parents of the winning students.
Speaking to the Observer, Dr Shamsa al Harthi, Director General of Dar Al Atta’a Association, said: “The Let’s Read Writing Competition is now in its 20th edition and has long encouraged children and schools to participate in creative writing in both Arabic and English. Submitted works are reviewed and shortlisted before being presented to a judging committee, after which the winners are announced.”
She highlighted the importance of the competition in nurturing young talent.
“The competition plays an important role in enriching children’s writing culture and highlighting young talent from an early age. This year saw strong participation and a high number of entries, with winners selected across three categories. The competition was highly competitive, as many of the submitted works stood out for their quality, language and storytelling,” she said.
According to organisers, this year’s competition attracted more than 300 participants from schools across the Sultanate of Oman.
In the Arabic-language category, Malak Mohammed al Riyami won first place in the 8–10 age group. In the 11–14 age group, Rahaf Salim al Jamoudi secured first place, Fatima Mohammed al Majini came second, while Homam Abdulaziz al Balushi placed third and Maryam Yaqoub al Abri received a joint third-place award. In the 15–18 age group, Salma Mohammed al Araimi won first place, while Maryam Nasser al Nabhani secured second place.
In the English-language category, Kamila al Hadhrami won first place in the 8–10 age group, followed by Akra Choudhary in second place and Nafisa Shahab in third. In the 11–14 age group, Mohammed Luqman claimed first place, Mohammed Noor Moula came second and Musoma Shidi placed third. In the 15–18 age group, Janan al Hinai won first place, Harthik Sunil came second and Malak al Abri secured third place.
Dr al Harthi also highlighted the wider role of the Let’s Read programme in promoting literacy among children through reading initiatives, storytelling activities and community engagement programmes.
She noted that the initiative includes a children’s library, storytelling sessions, book discussions and a mobile library that visits schools across the Sultanate. The programme continues to encourage children to engage with printed books and develop a lifelong love of reading and creative expression.
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