Launch of the fifth edition of the Children's Public Speaking Challenge globally
The fifth edition of the Children's Recitation Challenge competition has begun
The King Salman Global Academy for the Arabic Language has announced the launch of the fifth edition of the “Children’s Recitation Challenge,” a leading international initiative targeting Arabic-speaking children worldwide. The competition is open to children aged 5 to 12 and will continue accepting entries until June 30th. This initiative aims to develop children’s recitation and expression skills by encouraging them to present eloquent poetry in short video clips, showcasing the beauty of the Arabic language through the voices of the rising generation.
Historical context: King Salman Complex and the protection of the Arabic language
The King Salman Global Academy for the Arabic Language was established as part of the Saudi Vision 2030 initiatives, undertaking a historical and cultural mission to serve and preserve the Arabic language. Throughout history, poetry has been known as the "register of the Arabs," the record that preserves their achievements and language. From this historical perspective, the competition aims to revive this rich cultural heritage and connect modern generations to their linguistic roots in an era of rapid technological change and diverse communication methods that could distance young people from their mother tongue.
The expected impact of the competition locally, regionally, and internationally
The impact of this competition extends beyond the local level within the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, creating a cultural movement regionally and internationally. Locally, the competition contributes to achieving the objectives of the Human Capacity Development Program by building a generation proud of its identity. Regionally, it strengthens cultural ties among children of the Arab world through a shared language. Internationally, the competition provides children of Arab expatriates and non-native Arabic speakers with a valuable opportunity to connect with the Arabic language, thus enhancing its presence on global interactive platforms and showcasing emerging linguistic talents.
Institutional support for language skills development
The Secretary-General of the King Salman Global Academy for the Arabic Language, Dr. Abdullah bin Saleh Al-Washmi, affirmed that this competition represents one of the specialized initiatives the Academy is pursuing to support the development of linguistic skills among young people. He noted that the competition's continuation and its expanding international reach highlight the institutional commitment to developing initiatives that serve the Arabic language in its educational and cultural contexts. The Academy also expressed its appreciation for the significant support of the Ministry of Education, which contributed to distributing this edition to education offices throughout the Kingdom, thus encouraging students to participate and showcase their talents.
Mechanism and conditions for participation in the children's recitation challenge
To ensure easy participation in the “Children’s Recitation Challenge,” the Academy has outlined a clear mechanism based on modern technology. Participants are required to record a video clip no longer than 5 minutes and upload it to the “X” platform (formerly Twitter). The Academy’s and the competition’s hashtags (#KingSalmanGlobalAcademyForArabicLanguage and #ChildrensRecitationChallenge5) must be included in the post. Children must recite a poem of their choice within the “Classical Arabic Poetry” category only. Personal information must be stated at the beginning of the clip (full name, age, nationality, and country of residence). For winners from outside the Kingdom and their companions, passport validity must be at least six months.
Building on past successes and a future vision
This edition builds upon the remarkable successes of previous editions. The fourth edition saw the participation of over 8,000 contestants from 30 countries worldwide, reflecting its broad reach and diverse audience. These efforts are part of the Academy's endeavors to promote the Arabic language globally and support initiatives that contribute to building a generation capable of confidently and competently using their language in various fields of expression and communication.
