Residents of Burullus, a coastal town in Egypt's Kafr El-Sheikh Governorate, recently celebrated a significant achievement by one of their own. Student Mayar Mahmoud Othman secured first place in the tenth edition of the Arab Reading Challenge, a competition that drew participation from over 40 million students across 60 countries. To commemorate her victory, a mural featuring Mayar's portrait was painted at the town's entrance.
The Arab Reading Challenge, launched in 2015 by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, aims to encourage students to develop a love for reading. Participants are required to read and summarise 50 books during the academic year, progressing through various qualifying rounds before competing in the finals in Dubai. Mayar's achievement was recognised at an awards ceremony held at the Dubai World Trade Centre, where she received a prize of AED 500,000.
The mural created to honour Mayar's achievement features her portrait alongside the words Fakhr El-Burullus, or The Pride of Burullus. It was designed by local artist Ahmed Mesbah, who sought to acknowledge Mayar's hard work and dedication to reading. The celebration in Burullus reflects the town's pride in Mayar's accomplishment and her representation of Egypt in the competition.
Ahmed El-Kafrawi, director of the Media Centre at Baltim Club, stated that residents were preparing a celebration to welcome Mayar home. The local community's enthusiasm for Mayar's achievement highlights the impact of her victory on her hometown. Mayar's win has inspired others, particularly students, to develop a passion for reading.
In an interview with Masrawy, Mayar expressed her pride in representing Egypt and her plans to return to Kafr El-Sheikh to celebrate with her family. She encouraged other Egyptian students to participate in the Arab Reading Challenge, describing it as an opportunity to discover new worlds rather than a difficult examination. Mayar credited her family for their unwavering support throughout the competition.
Mayar's achievement in the Arab Reading Challenge is a testament to her patience, dedication, and love for learning. Her win has not only brought pride to her family and community but also highlights the importance of reading and education. The Arab Reading Challenge continues to inspire students across the region to develop a love for reading and learning.
The awards ceremony, attended by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, recognised Mayar's achievement alongside other winners. Mayar's prize of EGP 7.59 million reflects her outstanding performance in the competition, and her story serves as an inspiration to students in Egypt and beyond.
Key points
- Mayar Mahmoud Othman, an Egyptian student, won first place in the tenth edition of the Arab Reading Challenge.
- The competition, launched in 2015, aims to encourage students to read and summarise 50 books during the academic year.
- Mayar received a prize of AED 500,000 at an awards ceremony held at the Dubai World Trade Centre.
