Sharjah Girl Guides tour their emirate’s treasure troves of history and culture from the comfort of home
In a novel approach to engaging young learners while abiding physical distancing norms to restrict the spread of the Covid-19 virus, Sharjah Girl Guides (SGG) has held a series of virtual educational workshop tours in September for its cadre of Brownies, Guides and Senior Guides.
Organised on SGG’s Instagram account, these digital tours sought to inculcate an interest in their members about Sharjah’s culture, heritage, natural treasures and conservation activities, while whetting their appetite to experience it all in person.
Three sets of programmes – which included virtual tours of the Sharjah Museum of Islamic Civilization, the Sharjah Aquarium Museum and Wasit Wetland Centre, were held for participants on September 6, 8 and 13, respectively. SGG will conclude the virtual educational programme with a 30-minute virtual tour of the Sharjah Heritage Museum for its members on September 30, at 11:00 am.
Tracing the growth of Islamic culture
SGG members learnt about the growth of Islamic civilisation through the stories of more than 5,000 artefacts displayed at the Sharjah Museum of Islamic Civilization, including calligraphy, carvings, ceramic art, coins, glass, manuscripts, metalwork and scientific instruments. The workshop was held in collaboration with the Sharjah Museums Authority. At the end of the half-hour event, they participated in a Q&A session to earn the SGG Culture badge.
A ‘deep sea’ adventure at the Sharjah Aquarium Museum
Members who participated in this session, held in partnership with the Sharjah Museums Authority, virtually explored the fascinating world of the deep sea with its amazing creatures. They learnt about local fish species and Sharjah’s turtle rehabilitation programme, marvelled at the splendour of marine creatures of all shapes and sizes and took a tour of Sharjah’s historic coasts and ports courtesy the first and the largest government-run educational centre in the UAE. They earned a Culture badge after the Q&A’s session.
A guided tour of Sharjah’s conservation efforts
On the virtual tour of the Wasit Wetland Centre located in the northern Sharjah suburb of Wasit, participating SGG members gained insight into the emirate’s conservation efforts which preserves a type of wetland (sabkha or salt plain) once common along the western coastal plains of the UAE. They learnt about both captive and wild birds that live in the protected habitat that spreads over 86 hectares of dunes, mud flats, salty lagoons, and freshwater pools. They earned a Culture badge after a Q&A session.
Learning about Sharjah’s rich heritage and culture
Open to all members, SGG’s virtual tour scheduled for September 30 at 11:00 am, will take its participants on a tour of the Sharjah Heritage Museum dedicated to highlighting the emirate’s authentic heritage and rich culture through artefacts that speak of deep-rooted Arabic customs and traditions. Participants will earn a Culture badge after a Q&A session.
For more information, please visit SGG’s Instagram account @shjgirlguides and its website, www.sgg.ae.