As part of my itinerary as a guest of the Sharjah International Children's Book Fair, arrangements were made for me to visit two schools in Dubai.
The first was on Monday morning. Because of traffic, the drive from Sharjah took an hour, instead of 15-20 minutes. I was assigned a great driver and a young woman named Nada to accompany me.
The Sharjah American International School-Dubai is a private school situated in a large, beautiful building. The children ride yellow school buses, with printing in both English and Arabic.
Our driver waited for us. Nada talked to the guard at the gate, who was expecting us, and gave us ID guest ribbons to wear.
We were greeted by the librarian and two high school students who took us in the elevator to the library where several second and third-grade children eagerly waited for us, along with their teachers.
The children were very well-mannered and responsive, and it was so fun to share my books with them.
I was told that most are local Arabic children, but many moved to Dubai from other countries. They were all studying an American curriculum. So, even though I have four of my books translated into Arabic, I read the English versions as these children all know English well (and I don't know Arabic!)
It's always a treat to meet with children,
to share a message of hope and encouragement,
and to hear their thoughts and wisdom.
The principal of the school then thanked me for my visit. He presented me with a certificate and a gift that they present to their visitors.
I learned that the glass sculpture I received had a picture of the esteemed
The three fingers represent three letters: W for Winning, V for Victory, and L for Love. Each of these tenets is an important principle to the people of the UAE.
I felt honored to have been selected to be their guest.
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