SC, Maktaba announce six authors for children’s book series
The Supreme Committee for Delivery & Legacy (SC) and Doha-based Maktaba Children’s Library have announced the names of six writers who will author a series of books for Qatari children on subjects based on social development.
The six authors, Maryam Ahmed Alsubaiey, Shaima Al Kuwari, Fatima Bakro, Mary Francis, Basma Khatib and Johanna Handley, were chosen after an elaborate successful selection process.
While Maryam and Shaima are Qatar nationals, the others also reside in the country.
An initiative by SC’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) department, the books will support home-grown talent, with all titles to be written, illustrated, edited and designed by people living in Qatar.
“Through this joint venture, we’re building human capacity by educating young children and creating a platform for local entrepreneurs to contribute to the development of their community,” said SC CSR Senior Manager Isabel Gultresa.
The books will be aimed at three age groups — 4 to 6, 7 to 9 and 10 to 12 — with three titles devoted to each. While books for the first two age groups will be released this year, those for older children will come out in 2017.
Upon completion, the books will be given to selected primary schools in Qatar to support three educational themes — social inclusion, healthy living and sustainability.
The winning authors were chosen from among 30 writers.
Maryam and Basma have broadcast media backgrounds while Fatima combines her degree in broadcast production with volunteering experience in schools and universities.
Mary graduated in educational science and is a teacher. Shaima and Johanna, both hands-on mothers, are passionate about education and child development.
Following the selection of writers, SC and Maktaba are now seeking Qatari or Qatar-based illustrators for the series.
Illustrators should submit a sample of original work, preferably related to one of the series’ themes, to [email protected] by April 4, 2016.
