Haya Sherif poses for a photograph with one of her drawings at her residence in Dubai.

Schools and other academic institutions in Dubai have been closed since mid-March to fight the spread of coronavirus and more importantly save the young generation from the pandemic. But for many bright students, the long closure of schools is just another opportunity to fulfil their dreams and indulge in their hobbies.

Haya Sherif, a 12-year-old Arab student of Grade 7 at Next Generation School in Dubai, is one of the budding multi-talented students who uses her time and art to play her role in the ongoing fight against the coronavirus. She is spreading awareness messages and praising the Frontline Heroes.

Talking to Gulf Today, she shed light on her passion for drawing, painting, dance, reading and other hobbies. Since the age of 3, Haya figured out she had a love for crayons and colours. “Since an early age with ample supply of crayons and colour pencils, I started drawing my favourite animals, cartoon characters and painting natural scenery through my observation of my surroundings,” she said.

Being at home and continuing her studies through resources of distance learning, she has been able to create a number of drawings with awareness messages to praise people working as frontline heroes like doctors, paramedical staff and municipality staff.

The reason she started drawing early was the inspiration she got from her mother and to hone her drawing skills, she started learning on her own with the support of YouTube videos created by amateurs and professionals. “With such online support, I sharpened my God-gifted skill of drawing as so far I didn’t attend any proper sessions in schools or coaching by private instructors,” she said.

Besides being a budding artist, Haya is also a versatile and passionate student who is keen on learning different things at the same time. “I am quite flexible since I was a baby and like stretching, rolling, splitting and love to do gymnastics as well as drawing,” she said.

The various platforms of social media and online sources, the ample presence of learning and training videos entice many children to learn something different and polish their talent while being inspired by professionals’ experience available free online. “Besides studying and having good marks in the classroom, I like to play on my iPad, watch gymnastics and drawing videos online with the aim of developing my skills to the next level,” she added.

At home she tries cooking and practising gymnastics as her pastime while her favourite book series is ‘Dork Diaries;” she has already read a large collection.

Haya’s dream is to be an astronaut and to achieve this she has already started reading science books besides her regular studies. She has also relevant material available online with the full support of her parents who are not letting any stone unturned to fulfil her daughter’s dream.

The world has been gripped with COVID-19 and frontline workers from health professionals to government officials are trying their best to provide relief to people throughout their immense round-the-clock response.

Recently, the Emirates Post has issued a distinctive souvenir stamp sheet to celebrate and salute the nation’s valiant frontline force, who are going above and beyond during the COVID-19 pandemic. The souvenir stamp sheet will be available on Emirates Post’s dedicated web shop emiratespostshop.ae at a retail price of Dhs19 and will serve as a permanent reminder of the tremendous efforts of these brave men and women.

Part of the proceeds will be donated on a monthly basis to Emirates Red Crescent to aid frontline workers during COVID-19 pandemic and low-income families and housing units to support their disinfection and sanitation costs.

The launch of the souvenir sheet comes in line with the campaign, #ThankYouHeroes, launched by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, to pay homage and respect to those defending and containing the spread of the virus as well as those providing essential services.

The design of the stamp showcases the medical and healthcare teams (doctors, nurses, pharmacists, lab technicians), Civil Defence, police, sterilisation teams, media, volunteers, apart from courier and delivery personnel. Proceeds from the sale of the stamp will be donated to charities supporting the welfare of front-line staff in COVID-19 relief efforts.