Secretary-General of the General Authority for Youth and Sports Welfare, Ibrahim Abdul Malik, today launched the fourth edition of the "Summer of My Country 2010" national project, which is being jointly organised by the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Community Development in cooperation with the Authority.
The project, which features a series of educational, cultural, recreational and leisure events meant for youngsters in the 7-17 year age group, will run for 40 days from June 20th till July 29th. The fourth edition of the event will include a variety of programmes and events for the first time ranging from education to culture, recreation and entertainment. This national-level project is aimed to reinforce pride in national identity among youngsters and identify new outlets for their creativity.
This was announced at a press conference held yesterday in Dubai, which was attended by Ibrahim Abdul Malik, Khalid Al Madfaa, Assistant Secretary-General of the Authority and Chairman of the Higher Committee of the "Summer of my Country 2010" Project, and a number of senior officials from the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Community Development and the General Authority of Youth and Sports Welfare.
Abdul Malik appreciated the support extended by Abdul Rahman bin Mohammad Al Owais, Minister of Culture, Youth and Community Development, to Higher Committee of the Festival. Cultural Centres of the Ministry around the country will host and contribute to the successful running of the festival.
The project's objectives include fostering a spirit of loyalty and sense of national belonging and leadership through its various programmes and events, as well as aiding young people to use their leisure time for useful sports and cultural activities. The festival also aims to support gifted and talented young people in developing their skills and to channel youngsters' creative energy in positive directions.
A total of 34 centres countrywide will be operating in the morning while 9 centers will work in two shifts, morning and evening. There are 15 centres for boys and 17 centres for girls, with 13 catering to both boys and girls. Additionally 22 schools will also participate in the project.
Among the participants at this year's festival is a long list of strategic partners that include the Ministries of Social Affairs, Health and Education, Dubai Municipality, General Headquarters of Dubai Police, Higher Colleges of Technology, Abu Dhabi Education Council and Dubai Information Authority among others.
Events being held for the first time this year, include International Day for the Public Service on June 23rd, World Combat Smoking Day on June 26th, which will coincide with the global event and a Peoples Forum, which features the different cultures of the peoples of the world.
