A fifth-year Bahraini student from Al Izdihar Primary Girls School in Hamad Town has demonstrated that persistence pays off, after securing first place in the national round of the annual Arab Reading Challenge.
Raneem Al Darwish clinched the title following a journey marked by determination and excellence, reflecting both her passion for reading and her commitment to achievement.
Launched by UAE Vice President and Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai Shaikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the Arab Reading Challenge encourages students to read more than 50 books in a single academic year. Prizes of up to AED500,000 (around BD50,000) are awarded in the competition.
This marked Raneem’s second consecutive participation. She reached the final round last year before returning with renewed determination to outperform thousands of students from government and private schools across the kingdom and claim the national title.
She expressed pride in her achievement, attributing it to sustained effort, strong family support, and the guidance and encouragement provided by her school.
Raneem also thanked the Education Ministry, school principal Fathiya Shabib, and her Arabic language teacher and challenge co-ordinator Noora Ali for their support.
She affirmed her ambition to compete in, and win, the final stage of the competition, which will be held in Dubai at a later date.
In a message to pupils who will participate in future editions of the Arab Reading Challenge, Raneem emphasised the importance of making reading a daily habit, believing in one’s abilities, and persevering to achieve one’s goals.
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