“Wanna Read?” initiative returns to Rashid Hospitalencouraging healing through reading
Rashid Hospital, along with hospitals across the UAE set up fun reading corners as part of the “Wanna Read?” initiative, encouraging children to read more to recover faster during their hospital visits in hospitals across the UAE.
Rashid Hospital, the multi-speciality hospital in Dubaiand part of MHC ’s Hospital Network added to its existing “Wanna Read?” areas with a third corner in its new pediatric wing, making it the 16th reading corner in the UAE. The hospital was the first to adapt the “Wanna Read?” model for outpatient clinics in support of this initiative.
The programme was established by Sheikha Shamma bint Sultan bin Khalifa Al Nahyan. It provides children with access to a variety of books during their visit to hospitals and clinics. The innovative reading initiative provides a fun and educational environment to promote the power of healing through reading and also helps children broaden their literary and creative horizons during their recovery process.
“Reading is the gateway to creative and innovative thinking and has a positive impact on one’s overall wellbeing. Our children are our future, which makes their growth - physically, mentally and emotionally, our top priority. “Wanna Read?” was created to inspire young children to utilise their time during check-ups and hospital visits productively, and to stimulate their minds and help in their recovery”, said Sheikha Shamma.
Health benefits of reading have long been acknowledged, the most common of which is the ability to stimulate the brain, reduce stress, boost memory and increase happiness. This has been recognized by leading hospitals and Action Care, an innovative UAE company who create programs that provide training in early childhood development, volunteer empowerment, leadership, soft skills and English communication.
“Children are quick learners and embrace positive change. We’re honoured to support an initiative that encourages reading, and instils positive habits in children while also spreading joy among those who visit our hospitals for treatment and care,” said Dr. Mai Moncef Sultan Al Jaber, Acting Medical Director at Rashid Hospital.
Ranking high on the government’s agenda, reading and creativity have been supported by the UAE through a variety of initiatives, including the Arab Reading Challenge - the largest ever Arab literacy initiative introduced by UAE Vice President and Prime Minister of and Ruler of Dubai, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, who declared 2016 as The Year of Reading to encourage a rise in literacy levels.
“Wanna Read?” was established in 2013, and is a non-profit organization that focuses on three main goals - promoting literacy amongst young patients, encouraging parental engagement and inspiring greater community service. It creates friendly, stimulating and inviting areas filled with colours and books for children, to encourage healing through reading. Rashid Hospitalhas supported the “Wanna Read?” initiative since 2016.
About “Wanna Read?”
The “Wanna Read?” initiative is led by Sheikha Shamma bint Sultan bin Khalifa Al Nahyan. Established in 2013, this non-profit organisation creates warm, friendly and stimulating environments in hospitals across the United Arab Emirates, to help children through their healing and rehabilitation process. Sheikha Shamma firmly believes that enjoyment of books should be encouraged in all ages and, therefore, “Wanna Read?” aims to promote reading and learning by providing this facility.