House of Wisdom launches new cultural, educational progammes

The House of Wisdom in Sharjah has launched two new educational and cultural programmes, “Wisdom Speaks Korean” and “Wisdom Speaks American Sign Language,” to promote cross-cultural dialogue through linguistic and cultural exploration, and to educate participants in accessible communication and inclusion, from September to June 2026.

The “Wisdom Speaks Korean” programme, in collaboration with the Dream Centre Institute, offers a fully immersive experience that combines structured language instruction with practical cultural workshops.

Participants will engage in activities that include learning the Korean language and script, alongside practical experiences that introduce them to various aspects of Korean culture, such as wearing traditional Hanbok, preparing Korean dishes, practising Taekwondo, exploring Minhwa painting, and participating in contemporary K-pop arts.

Tailored for all age groups, the programme focuses on developing language skills through cultural engagement, helping participants connect more deeply with Korea’s heritage.

The “Wisdom Speaks American Sign Language” programme, delivered in partnership with the Eton Institute Dubai, introduces participants of all ages to the core principles of ASL, with an emphasis on handling various everyday life situations.

The curriculum includes the manual alphabet, numbers, vocabulary used within the family and in the workplace, as well as medical and commonly used signs, with special attention given to signs used in the UAE and participants’ countries of origin.

This initiative is part of the “Wisdom Speaks” series, which has also included editions in French, Spanish, and Japanese. It aims to connect people with knowledge, promote learning, and encourage openness to other cultures.

It also supports Sharjah’s role as a global cultural hub that fosters cross-cultural exchange.

The programmes cater to children aged 6 to 12, teens aged 13 to 17, and adults aged 18 and above. “Wisdom Speaks American Sign Language” runs until May 2026, and “Wisdom Speaks Korean” continues until June 2026, each over three academic terms.

Recently, as part of its commitment to transforming summer into a season of learning, inspiration, and joy, House of Wisdom unveiled an exciting new edition of its annual summer camp.

This year’s programme delivered three dynamic camp experiences that seamlessly weaved together technology, arts, and creative thinking within an environment designed to spark curiosity and encourage exploration.

Each of the three camps was thoughtfully tailored to suit different age groups, offering a rich tapestry of activities that blended interactive storytelling, hands-on experiments, arts and crafts, and engaged educational games.

The goal was to create memorable experiences where learning and play go hand in hand.

Marwa Al Aqroubi, Executive Director of HoW, shared her enthusiasm for this yearly tradition, emphasising that it has become a signature part of HoW’s cultural and educational mission. She remarked: “Our Arab heritage is a treasure trove of timeless stories and cultural symbols that continue to inspire and influence generation after generation. Bringing these narratives to life through contemporary methods and technology gives today’s children the chance to connect with their roots in ways that feel fresh, relevant, and accessible.”

She continued: “At a time when screens increasingly isolate our children, we are committed to creating spaces that reintroduce the wonder of real-world connection. These camps are designed to nurture essential skills, cultivate collaboration and initiative, and build a generation that knows how to balance knowledge with joy, and heritage with innovation.”

The first camp was inspired by the legendary fables brought into Arabic by Ibn Al-Muqaffa.

The Al Jazari FabLab offered children and teens aged 6 to 15 an immersive educational adventure that fuses storytelling with technology.

A series of innovative workshops equipped participants with systematic thinking and practical skills.

From recreating the tales of Kalila wa Dimna using AI-powered tools, to exploring the intersection of ethics, science, and art through design thinking, the camp opened up a world of creative possibilities.

Gulf Today, Staff Reporter