GESS LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT WINNER 39
I sobel Abulhoul OBE I have spent a lifetime being true to one simple belief, that when a child becomes a reader, someone who reads regularly for pleasure, they gain a head start that lasts a lifetime. Reading builds critical thinking, creativity, curiosity, empathy, and confidence. It opens doors, long before a child may even realise, they exist. The GESS Lifetime Achievement Award for Education is something I will treasure, because it recognises not a single moment, but a lifetime spent following that dream. I never set out to win awards. I set out to make sure children had access to books, stories, and reading experiences that respected who they are, the languages they speak, and the futures they could imagine. When I say I, I mean the wonderful people who have been at my side, and who shared the same passion for education and for making a difference. Nothing is ever achieved without the help and support of incredible kindred spirits. I accepted this wonderful award on their behalf. Nurturing an Ecosystem of Reading When I look back over the years, this belief has taken many forms: bookshops that welcome families, schools that nurture curiosity, festivals that bring stories to life, libraries that empower communities, and publishing initiatives that give children books that are both a mirror and also a window on the world. Together, they form an ecosystem built on trust, patience, and people. The greatest reward is seeing a child fall in love with reading There have been challenges.‘Nothing worth having was ever achieved without effort.’ Funding, changing educational trends, fear of doing something differently but I have learned that staying true to one’s values matters, whilst always being open to listen to differing opinions. Education is not about speed. It is about depth. It is about each child and how they can learn best.
Education is not about speed. It is about depth. The memories that stay with me longest are mainly personal. My own children’s joy of favourite books, and now my grandchildren’s journey falling in love with books and reading. Observing children enjoying books in school libraries, that they have chosen for themselves, finding a teacher rediscovering joy in reading aloud, listening to a librarian who have realised the difference they can make. All these beautiful moments help me realise why this work matters. A Journey That Continues This award does not mark an end. It strengthens my resolve to continue, to support in whatever way I can. With each passing year, I may have less energy, but I am uplifted by the chance to help. One child, one book, one dream, at a time.
One child, one book, one dream, at a time. As I said, this journey has never been mine alone. I am deeply grateful to my family, colleagues, partners, and communities who have walked alongside me. Most of all, I am grateful to the children, who remain our greatest teachers.
EMIRATES LITERATURE FOUNDATION
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