More than 1,000 children enrolled in Qatar’s independent schools will gather tomorrow to try to break the Guinness World Record for the largest ever reading lesson.
The event, which is being held to mark UNESCO’s World Book Day, will be staged at the Qatar National Convention Center in Education City.
Supreme Education Council (SEC) officials said they hope more than 1,000 children between the ages of five and 10 years old will gather at the venue for an hour-long Arabic reading class, during which they’ll read the children’s book “Al Ghadab” (Angry)Â by Sarah Medina.
The current world record is held by a group of 451 American school children. Adjudicators from Guinness World Records will be on site tomorrow to verify if the Qatar group manages to surpass this number.
The record-breaking attempt is being organized by Qatar-based reading program Maktaba Qatar and Bloomsbury Qatar Foundation Publishing, in conjunction with sponsors RasGas.
Sarah Champa Al Dafa, founder of Maktaba, said in a statement that the event organizers hope to inspire the country’s young people to read more books in Arabic:
“We believe this attempt underscores Qatar’s commitment to cultivating a love of reading in Arabic amongst future generations, which numerous studies have shown is an important predictor of future success.”
Also this week, Qatar hopes to break the Guinness World Record for most clothes gathered for charity in 24 hours.
To meet its goal of amassing 14 tons of clothes, Qatar Charity will host a collection drive at the Aspire Zone starting at 5pm from Saturday, April 26 to Sunday, April 27.
Thoughts?
Haven’t they heard that it’s not the size that matters. It’s how you use it!!!
“underscores Qatar’s commitment to cultivating a love of reading…”
More like a love of breaking pointless world records. What next, world record for largest number of students who have the maid carry their bag in one school? I’m pretty sure there are a few schools in Doha that could compete for that one.
Next week, Qatar breaks the world record for breaking the highest number number of pointless world records.
Enough of these world records!! Spend the time, energy and money on safer roads and better healthcare.
I’m rubbing a bald spot on my head with the constant head scratching at these things. I really think they feel this is a boost to the education of the nation. lol lol
Strange how they are so keen to be involved with Guinness……the purveyor of alcoholic drinks. Thought that would be against traditional values promoting this sort of organisation.
What is this ! We have to improve the educating standards and quality of Independent schools.
Al Ghadab (angry) is what the SEC is doing to Qatari parents.
But I think this is a good event to promote reading, and to promote love of Arabic books. Also need more quality-level book stores in Doha.