Doha: The Minister of Culture, Arts and Heritage H E Dr Hamad bin Abdulaziz Al Kuwari honoured yesterday the winners of the State Award for Children’s Literature for 2013.
Giving a speech at the event at Qatar National Theater, the Minister said that Qatar had been active in its support for children’s literature and culture in general. He saluted the Emir H H Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani for his keenness to nurture children.
The Minister also praised the Father Emir H H Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani for establishing the foundations of Qatar’s renaissance.
While highlighting the role of the family in nurturing children culturally and helping develop their capabilities, the Minister said that investing in children’s cultural needs is one of the pillars of Qatar National Vision 2030.
He said that the ministry was considering producing the winning works for theatre and staging performances in Qatar and abroad, adding that it will publish distinguished works that did not win.
The State Award for Children’s Literature is divided into five fields. Two prizes related to children’s songs and electronic games were withheld as none was found deserving.
In theatre, the prize will be divided equally between Syrian playwright Nour Addin Mussa Abdul Qadir Al Hashemi for his work — “The Dreams Yard” and Egyptian playwright Mohammed Miftah Madbouli Al Sharqawi for — “A Word and a Character.”
For story writing, the prize will be divided between Tunisian writer Yousif bin Ali Rzouga for — “Children of the Moon” and Syrian writer Hassan Abdul Basit Al Judi for — “How to Become a Scientist.” QNA
