SHARJAH GOVERNMENT MEDIA BUREAU, March 11 , 2019 -  Sharjah Press Club (SPC) of the Sharjah Government Media Bureau (SGMB) has announced the launch of ‘Ithmar’ programme, with the aim of promoting media awareness among youth aged from 10 to 17 years, and introducing them to the concepts of journalism and media work. The programme is founded upon a comprehensive training and awareness plan to build future media cadres capable of supporting the march of construction and development.

‘Ithmar’ will be implemented in cooperation with a group of experts, specialists, and media and educational institutions, as well as concerned bodies in the development and empowerment of young people. Featuring interactive workshops, theoretical and practical training, and field trips to press and media organisations, the programme aspires to consolidate information in the memories of students and offer them a closer look at the various stages of media material production, while promoting the principle of positive competition and awarding outstanding students.

HE Tariq Saeed Allay, Director of SGMB, said under the directives of HH Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Mohamed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, Sharjah is always keen to support and enhance the skills of young people and improve their skills and abilities as future makers in various fields.

The SGMB Director indicated that the media sector is a basic pillar of community building and development, asserting that "Ithmar' reflects the UAE’s efforts in building distinguished media cadres capable of leading the future of media and supporting the boom witnessed by the UAE in various fields.

He confirmed the importance of enhancing the media awareness of the youth by providing them with the basic principles that ensure their ability to deal with different media materials correctly, and establishing their analytical skills to help them differentiate between real and fake news, especially over social media.

Asma Al Juwaied, Manager of SPC, said ‘Ithmar’ involves the launch of mini-press clubs at schools participating in the initiative, ensuring continuous learning and practice.

She noted that students participating in the programme, which begins in July and concludes late August, will be offered an exceptional student membership at SPC, together with participation certificates and awards.

She emphasised that the Club constantly works to spread and consolidate the concepts of journalism and media work, while highlighting them through social media or specialised events and programmes throughout the year.

It is notable that Sharjah Press Club, a subsidiary of Sharjah Government Media Bureau, organises a wide range of events and programmes, including the annual Ramadan Majlis, training courses in cooperation with local and international media organisations, dialogue sessions and interactive meetings. The Club also takes part in major events in Sharjah, towards the service of the press and media sector, as well as the community.