The Sharjah Book Authority (SBA), in collaboration with the Sharjah Volunteer Centre, has announced the opening of volunteer registration to all nationalities in the 15th edition of the Sharjah Children's Reading Festival (SCRF).

Organised by the SBA from 1st to 12th May at the Sharjah Expo Centre, the event will feature a series of workshops and panels on children’s literature and showcase the latest local and international books that enhance children’s relationships with sources of knowledge and learning.

The SBA underscored its dedication to integrating volunteers each year, noting that volunteering has been a pivotal factor in the festival’s success since its inception. Volunteering embodies the spirit of collaboration and partnership between the community and corporations to support Sharjah’s cultural project.

SBA said that volunteering is an authentic social value deeply rooted in Emirati culture. It contributes to nurturing volunteers’ skills in mega event management and fulfilling public needs. Volunteering also allows young women and men to acquire new skills, expertise, and knowledge through direct interaction with the public, exhibitors, and participants.

SBA remarked that individuals aged 18 to 45 years who are interested in volunteering are encouraged to register via the following link: https://sssd-volunteer.shj.ae/volunteers/opportunity_details/15241.

SCRF’s volunteers are expected to commit to the 12-day event, and they can choose between the morning shift from 9:00 to 15:00 or the evening shift from 15:00 to 21:00.

Volunteers will provide support and assistance to the festival’s participants and visitors, addressing the needs of the technical support and finance teams. They will also offer guidance to visitors regarding the festival’s activities, schedule, and venues within the premises of the Sharjah Expo Centre.

The 14th edition of the SCRF welcomed 150 volunteers, and each year the festival features a wide selection of events, including interactive workshops conducted by experts specialising in assessing and nurturing children’s talents.

The festival welcomes a host of children’s and young adults’ authors, illustrators, and publishers, It honours the winners of different awards, including the Sharjah Children’s Book Illustration Award, Sharjah Children’s Book Award, Sharjah Audio Book Award, and Sharjah Books for Visually Impaired Children Award.