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Curated by Young Voices of Arabia |
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When she is safe, the world is strong , Let justice end all that's been wrong! - Mahveen Mirza Delhi Private School
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From the Assistant Editor's Desk
Saira Thomas
Dear Readers,
With immense pride and heartfelt gratitude, we present to you the second issue of The VOFG Gazette! We are still riding the success from our very first edition, which featured the wonderful students of Pristine Private School, Dubai. The steadily growing number of subscriptions and the encouraging feedback we have received have been tremendously motivating for our dynamic young editorial team.
In 2020, as the Goodwill Ambassador for Voices
of Future Generations, Middle East, HH Sheikha Hissa Bint Hamdan Bin Rashid Al
Maktoum ushered in a new era of promoting sustainability and children’s rights
through the powerful voices of young students. Since then, Team VOFG Arabia,
led by Ms Jenny, Ms Shama, Mr Hagop and Ms Loise, has been working tirelessly
to create a positive impact on the younger generation through various
platforms.
Fortunate to have been part of VOFG since its
launch, I have witnessed firsthand the many opportunities that have been
extended to us child authors; from hosting award ceremonies and being invited
to major literary events to participating in Month of Reading activities,
volunteering at Al Jalila Hospital’s Clinic of Hope, engaging in Book Talks,
and much more.
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A Blueprint to Achieving a Better World Mir Faraz Editor-In-Chief
The
Sustainable Development Goals are 17 special goals set by the United Nations,
which are considered to be a blueprint to achieving a better world. At Voices
of Future Generations Middle East, we place heavy emphasis on spreading
knowledge on the SDGs, in the hope of spurring young people across the region
into action.
For this
edition of the VoFG Gazette, we have 2 new goals of focus, corresponding with
the ‘Goals of the Month’ officially delegated by the United Nations. These are ‘SDG
5: Gender Equality’ and ‘SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions’. Read
on to learn more about these crucial goals.
SDG 5
focuses on achieving gender equality and empowering all women and girls. It
aims to eliminate discrimination, violence, and harmful practices, while
ensuring equal opportunities in leadership, education, and employment. By
addressing systemic inequalities and promoting inclusivity, this goal not only
upholds basic human rights but also contributes to more prosperous and
resilient societies. In this issue, the students of Delhi Private School have
made their stance on this pervasive issue loud and clear, and have expressed
their views with utmost passion.
SDG 16
centers on promoting peaceful and inclusive societies, ensuring access to
justice for all, and building effective, accountable institutions at all
levels. It tackles issues such as violence, corruption, and lack of
transparency, advocating for stronger rule of law and inclusive
decision-making. By fostering trust and stability, this goal lays the
foundation for sustainable development and long-term global cooperation. The
innovative and mature perspectives on SDG 16 have been eloquently put across by
the students of DPS, who have come up with fascinating ways to explore methods
to propagate peace, justice, and strong institutions.
We sincerely
hope that from this edition of the VoFG Gazette, you are able to gain valuable
insights on SDGs 5 and 16. After reading the Gazette, we hope that you’ll have
fresh ideas to promote and propagate the SDGs within your own circle and
community.
Enjoy, and keep
on reading and learning!
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Latest Adventures From the World of VoFG |
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Inaya Danish Content Head- Media
On Saturday morning, 26th April, members of the VoFG Gazette gathered at the inviting ELF
office to attend an exclusive editorial training session led by the esteemed journalist, writer,
and broadcaster, Mr. Mustafa Alrawi. Mr. Alrawi is a regular contributor to The National,
Axios.com, and Monocle Magazine & Radio, bringing a wealth of experience and insights to
this valuable workshop. In a roundtable session format, we focused on essential editing
techniques, effective content structuring, and creative refinements, along with some riveting
discussions about AI, branding and publishing tips. With thought-provoking questions and
invaluable recommendations from Mr. Alrawi, this was truly an impactful workshop that is
sure to stay with us for the rest of our journalism journeys. Thank you VoFG team for your
support and commitment to this project, and a special thanks to Mr. Alrawi for his insights!
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Nuha Danish Design Intern
Masroor Needs a Break! He just wants to find a quiet spot and read his book — can you help him trace the right path to it?
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Healing With Stories: VoFG at Jalila Hospital
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Inaya Danish Content Head-Media
The Voices of Future Generations initiative may have begun as a sustainability writing initiative in the UAE,
but it has grown into a vast community of young changemakers and bibliophiles alike. The volunteering
event at Al Jalila Children’s Specialty Hospital is a testament to this notion, with members of the VoFG
team eagerly supporting patients on the 13th of March waiting for their appointments in a variety of ways. From creative activities like drawing to enthusiastic decorating of various items with VoFG
stickers - and, of course, a lot of reading from the VoFG books and classic picture books alike - the team was,
safe to say, especially prepared! A highlight of the day was denitely Abdul Kareem Ghazal as he lit up the
faces of many with an immersive storytelling experience, transporting listeners back with his traditional Arab
storytelling attire and style.
Fittingly named the ‘Clinic of Hope’, the spirit of giving was truly in the air in the holy month of Ramadan
as our volunteers had the opportunity to spend a few invaluable hours interacting with children that may
not be having a great day. Their selfless acts left them with a greater sense of empathy and memories to last a
lifetime. A beautiful example of this is Nuha Danish, a young volunteer at the event, who made a deep
friendship with a young boy that had recently undergone a painful blood test. The boy really appreciated
Nuha’s time, declaring that she was his ‘best friend’ just before she left!
"I had so much fun volunteering! He
was such a nice kid and a really engaged listener. I'd love to come back and spread more happiness to those
who need a little brightness in their day."
Director of the VoFG initiative, Ms. Jennifer Malton, conveyed her appreciation of the event, highlighting
the importance of thinking to others in every step of the way. “It fills my heart to see support for events like
the Hope Clinic. These initiatives are absolutely vital, aren't they? Truly, sharing in the journey and
experiences of others is a profound way to nurture empathy within ourselves.”
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Books, Blessings and Belonging: Ramadan Book Talks
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Sanvika Sandeep Media Reporter
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The VoFG Ramadan Book Talks, held on 15th March 2025 at
the Emirates Literature Foundation, Dubai, brought together young authors,
families, and literary enthusiasts for an evening of storytelling, creativity,
and connection.
Five young authors, each representing a VOFG cycle, shared powerful
insights on empathy and inclusion in an engaging panel discussion. Attendees
then unleashed their creativity with a Ramadan Kindness Bingo Card design activity,
celebrating the spirit of giving.
The evening concluded with a delightful iftar, where attendees
connected over delicious food and inspiring conversations. The Media Team
captured unforgettable moments, making this a truly heartwarming celebration of
stories and generosity.
Because stories don’t just tell us who we are, they shape who we
choose to become. |
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Spotlight on Delhi Private School Sharjah
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Women Who Changed the World Sarah Al Amiri Voice of Karthidharan Neelagandan
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Have you ever looked up at the stars and been amazed? Sarah Al Amiri experienced this wonder as a child. Like many of us, she was also curious about the universe. Its beauty amazed her; the swirling clouds of gas and dust created masterpieces as beautiful as paintings made by a brush. However, she struggled with self-doubt and confidence, wondering if she truly belonged in the world of science. Her journey wasn’t just about becoming a leader; it was about following her passion for space. Through hard work and determination, Sarah became a revolutionary scientist.
She played a
vital role in the Hope Probe mission, the
first interplanetary mission launched by an Arab nation. Leading this
groundbreaking project was tough, but her success motivates young dreamers everywhere. Today, Sarah
is the head of the UAE Space Agency and a government minister. She shares her
story to inspire and empower girls around the world. Her message: it’s okay to
feel out of place; what matters is perseverance and self-belief. She often says, “I never thought I’d
be working in space—but here I am,” encouraging others to pursue their dreams.
With curiosity and determination, you, too, can reach for the stars.
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Comic Justice for Gender Equality Voice of Iram Tehzeeb |
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Letters of Gratitude A Letter to Sunita Williams Voice of Kashika Sonone
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To, Sunita Williams NASA Astronaut 01 April 2025
Subject: A Letter of Gratitude to My Inspiration
Respected Sunita Williams Ma’am,
I am writing to express my deepest admiration and gratitude for the inspiration you have given me. Your journey as an astronaut, your perseverance, and your groundbreaking achievements have sparked a fire in my heart.
What I admire most about you is your courage and resilience. Your record- breaking spacewalks, leadership during challenging missions, and dedication to space exploration prove that dreams have no limits.
Despite the challenges of space, you have shown the world that hard work and passion can overcome any barrier. Your journey inspires me to dream big, aim high, and embrace challenges fearlessly.
If I could ask you one question, it would be: What is the most valuable lesson from space that we can apply here on Earth? Thank you for proving that the sky is not the limit, it’s just the beginning! With deepest respect, Kashika Sonone
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Book Recommendation Goodnight Stories for Rebel Girls Voice of Virat Suraj Desai
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This book features 100 short stories about inspiring women from history, each story meant to empower young readers to believe in themselves and their potential, regardless of gender. It promotes gender equality by showcasing the achievements of women, helping children understand the importance of equal opportunities for both genders, and encouraging young girls to dream big. |
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SDG Superhero Alert! Voice of Ayesha Pathan |
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Powered by Purpose: The DPS Sustainability Story
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From the VoFG Library Voice of Salman Rashid Delhi Private School |
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Synopsis:​ In the year 3021, Earth and Mars are long gone, and Mercury is a cold, lifeless world. Twelve-year-old Ignis has never known beauty; no plants, no animals, just grey skies, cold metal, and confined voices. But she dreams of something better. When she learns about a mystical stone, said to have the power to turn back time, she dares to make a change. Ignis sneaks into the Museum of the Past, finds the stone, and travels back to Earth. There, she meets two children, Eidos and Leone, and together they form a committee to protect the planet for future generations.
Moral Takeaways:​ This story is a powerful reminder that, no matter how hopeless things seem, one person can make a difference. It’s about hope, standing up for what’s right, and protecting the planet for everyone. It shows the importance of community and working together to create a better future because we all share this world.
Why I Recommend It:​ This story really touched me. It’s got adventure, a strong message, and characters you can root for. It’s the kind of story that sticks with you and makes you think about the world we’re leaving behind, and what we can do to change it. |
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Page Pause! Ready for a Brain Tease?
Sophie Claire Dias Design Intern |
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Poetry Drop
Serenity’s Stance Upholds
Voice of Ethan Robert Vaz |
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The
anger and wrath fill the humans’ minds,
With no shame with no guilt.
Fury is unleashed by the power of our mind,
Although peace is not all that far behind.
The peaceful winds of serenity blow,
All
through the world it goes and shows.
A
blast of harmony wields its pride,
Facing
through strife like a rushing tide.
Peace
doesn’t have any will to fight,
Just
displays the mind the path that’s right.
It
shall not be overshadowed by any such negative thoughts,
Just
faces wrath as it breaks and rots.
The hatred and Strife back off at a gaze,
Peace
at a close watch lies unfazed.
Conflict
and War are banished throughout,
Peace
and tranquility win without any doubt.
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DPS IN FOCUS Voice of Veer Singh Kukreja Delhi Private School |
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Lighting the Path to a Greener Future: A Conversation with Ms. Anjum Hasan
In the halls of Delhi Private School, Sharjah, one teacher stands out for more than just her lessons. Ms. Anjum Hasan, the Head of Sustainability and Environment, is not only passionate about teaching, but also about building a greener, more sustainable school community. Balancing her work as a teacher and leader of sustainability projects is no easy task, but Ms. Hasan manages it with careful planning and teamwork.
She blends her lessons with eco-friendly themes and encourages
students to take the lead. “I delegate well,” she says. “Students take initiative, which gives them
confidence and frees me up to mentor them.” One of the biggest inspirations
for her journey is Wings of Fire by Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam. Though it’s not directly about
the environment, it reminds her of the importance of dreams and responsibility. “Sustainability,”
she explains, “is about behaving with purpose, thinking long term, and innovating for a better
future.”
Ms. Hasan’s first project,
“Litter-Free School,” started with posters, announcements, and student-led cleanup teams.
Although there were some challenges at first, it later earned the school the ‘Green Flag’ award in
2014. “We saw real change in behavior,” she says proudly. “Even small prizes like ‘Cleanest
Class of the Month’ made a big difference.”
One of the key lessons Ms. Anjum
learned was the importance of communication. Getting the student council involved early
and using feedback boards helped make the next project more successful. Ms. Hasan admits that
time constraints and exam seasons make things harder, but her team always finds creative
solutions. When asked about her most
touching feedback, she smiles and recalls a student who said, “I now consider my options before
discarding anything.” For her, that small habit meant everything.
Looking ahead, Ms. Hasan is
excited about a new project: the ‘Green Innovation Camp,’ where students will present
eco-friendly ideas. “Let’s keep our fingers crossed,” she says. “I have full hope that it will align with our
Green Flag registration.”
With leaders like Ms. Hasan, the
future of sustainability at DPS Sharjah is in inspiring hands, and a bright, sustainable
future is clearly in sight.
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Peace Starts With Me Voice of Afrah Jaleel Ahmed Delhi Private School |
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There
was a time at school when I felt really left out. My group of friends started
hanging out without me. They’d sit together at lunch, work on group projects, and
talk about things I wasn’t part of. At first, I thought maybe it was unintentional, but it kept happening. I felt sad, alone, and kind of invisible.
One day,
I decided to talk to one of the girls I was closest to. I told her how I felt, not
in a harsh way, just honestly. She was surprised and said she hadn’t realized I
felt that way. After that, things slowly got better. They started including me
again, and it felt good to be seen.
Later, I
noticed another girl sitting by herself at lunch. I remembered how I felt when
I was left out, so I asked her to sit with me. We started talking and became
friends. That small moment made a big difference.
I
learned that peace doesn’t always mean stopping a fight. Sometimes, it means
speaking up kindly, being honest about your feelings, and including others. A
little kindness can change someone’s whole day. That’s how peace started with me
and I hope it keeps going.
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SDGs In Action: Eco Warriors Spotted! |
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Growing Together, Story by Story
Shama Noman Advisor |
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The Voices of Future Generations community continues to flourish, strengthened by our
valued school partnerships. The eagerness of schools to collaborate and share their
sustainability journeys reflects a shared dedication to empowering children's voices.
Featured in this edition of the Gazette, the passionate storytellers of Delhi Private
School stand as strong champions of gender equality, peace, justice, and strong
institutions.
March and April have been months of rich opportunity for our young, published authors,
who have stepped forward as active contributors to meaningful causes. From reading to
young patients at the Clinic of Hope at Al Jalila Children's Specialty Hospital, to hosting
the Ramadan Book Talks with friends and family, they have embraced the spirit of giving
and the joy of reading that defines the core values of the Voices of Future Generations
project.
I am immensely proud of our editorial team, whose enthusiasm and drive for
professional growth as budding journalists have been nothing short of inspiring. A
highlight of this season was the roundtable discussion with the distinguished journalist
and writer, Mustafa Alrawi, which sparked powerful conversations around the ethics of
using AI, the rapid pace of technological change, and how news consumption is
evolving. The emotionally charged debate on whether journalism should remain
objective or allow space for subjectivity was truly a standout moment!
A heartfelt thank you goes to our IT specialist, Mr. Shylesh Mappadan, for generously
training the team on how to use ZOHO Campaigns to design this fantastic edition. And a
huge shoutout to our Design Lead, Mohd. Hamdan Siddiqui, and his dedicated team of
interns, for taking full responsibility for the production and timely release of the second
edition.
As our young editors and students all across the UAE gear up for their exams, I’d like to take a moment to wish them the very best of luck — may your hard work shine through!
Well done, everyone!
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