Abu dhabi: The Zayed Higher Organisation for People of Determination has announced a new expansion of its flagship national initiative, the 'Al-Wathiqa Programme,' to include children and youth of determination as both authors and presenters. This launch falls under the UAE's 2025 'Year of Community' initiatives, themed 'Hand in Hand.'
According to Emirates News Agency, the expansion represents a shift in the Organisation's empowerment philosophy, evolving from merely documenting history into a platform for nurturing a new generation of national storytellers. These individuals articulate the national identity and craft collective memory in a contemporary voice.
The enhanced 'Al-Wathiqa for Children' builds on the success of its first season, which featured 25 short episodes delivered by five presenters of determination. This model leverages media to empower the community and chronicle moments from UAE history.
In the new edition, episode scripts are penned by Abdullah Ahmed Rashid Al-Dhahnani, winner of the 2025 Arab Reading Challenge for People of Determination, and Sultan Ahmed Ibrahim Al-Bloushi, winner of the 'As I See Myself' competition. The voice-over features three young talents of determination: Shamma Ali Saif Al-Mansouri, Maryam Sumaid'a Al-Wahoba, and Thani Saeed Al-Dhaheri.
This project reimagines national identity through heritage stories told in child-friendly language, presented by children themselves. Abdullah Abudalee Al Humaidan, Secretary-General of Zayed Higher Organisation, stated that true empowerment is achieved by providing future generations with tools of expression and platforms for authentic presence.
The 'Al-Wathiqa' podcast continues the knowledge partnership between the Zayed Higher Organisation and Trends Research and Advisory Centre, ensuring content accuracy and bolstering educational and historical credibility. This paradigm shift transforms 'Al-Wathiqa' into a dynamic national-storytelling institution and strengthens the sense of belonging among children of determination.
Through this initiative, the Zayed Higher Organisation continues its role in building a more inclusive society, reshaping concepts of empowerment, history, and identity by those who embody unwavering will and unbounded creativity.