Student Poets Celebrate The Power Of 'Determination' At The Poetic Heart 2019

Dubai, UAE – 3^rd February 2019 – Student Poets from Schools across UAE came together to celebrate the power of ‘Determination’ at The Poetic Heart 2019 held at Emirates Institute of Banking and Financial Studies (EIBFS), Auditorium, in Dubai, today.

Based on the theme of ‘Determination’, the event saw 41 students participating this year. With over 300 poems submitted from Schools across the UAE, 41 poems were shortlisted by a panel of renowned poets and presented at the symposium. Participating schools included: Al Khaleej National School, Dubai Gem Private School, The Oxford School, St Mary's Catholic High School, American International School, Cambridge International School, Greenwood International School, GEMS Wellington International School, Al Mawakib School, DPS Sharjah, Abu Dhabi Indian School, Al Shohub Private School, Al Salam Private School, Dubai Carmel School, Delhi Private School-Sharjah and Delhi Private School-Dubai, amongst others. Speaking about the initiative, Mr. Suresh Premkumar, Chariperson – SGI Gulf, said: “From having just two students participate in 2013, over the years we have seen an increase in students getting involved.

Sazina Khan, Head of English Department at Greenwood International School, said: “The Poetic Heart enhances the students critical thinking, problem solving ability, discovery of the inner-self and self-awareness. It further nurtures global citizenship imbibing a sense of responsibility towards their community and nation.”

The band from The Winchester School – Jebel Ali, again was the highlight of a power packed performance in the morning session.

The rendering of an Arabic Song by Naseem Chorus Group was a treat to watch for the students and how music and poetry is being used to connect culture beyond boundaries at this initiative of SGI Gulf.

 Speaking about the event, Dr. Shihab Ghanem, a renowned Emirati poet, said, “The poems shared by young budding poets warmed the hearts of those present, as they were poems that did not analyze or deconstruct. The younger generation perform as the junior team of new critics of culture; never falling short of brilliant and exceeding the expected merit of originality in comprehension and expression.”

The Poetic Heart was delighted to partner with Emirates NBD’s CSR Initiative that commits to advocating for people with Special Needs under “Together Limitless” platform. Under the partnership, audiences got a chance to witness poetry, performances and participation from students of schools such as Tender Hearts Arena, SNF Development Centre, Manzil Centre and Al Noor Center of Persons with Disabilities.