Sharjah : Groups of young explorers are embarking on an exciting journey through time at the Sharjah
International Book Fair (SIBF 2023), as they partake in a captivating treasure hunt workshop,
which is also leading them to uncovering ancient dinosaur species that date back millions of
years.
“So, this activity involves children literally digging up treasure as the name of the workshop
suggests with each of them meant to look for either a dinosaur or an animal figure through a
series of activities in order to take home a gemstone,” said Khine Zin of Mofun Studio, that is
conducting daily instalments of the Hidden Treasures workshop.
“The best thing about this workshop is that even five-year-olds can perform most activities here
on their own. There is a lot of imagination and memory involved in finding their reward. For
many young students, digging up stones can also be a huge stressbuster”, she added.
Armed with maps and a spirit of adventure, the young explorers eagerly set out to discover the
hidden gems scattered throughout the designated area, which entailed them to not just put in
the physical work, but also employ their problem-solving and teamwork skills.
“For me this wasn't just about finding artefacts. It was in fact quite an educational journey as I
found out the historical context of each discovery,” said Adam, an 11-year-old Sharjah student
who took part in what turned out to be an interactive lesson on pre-history and the incredible
creatures that once roamed the Earth.
“What I loved most is the hands-on experience of uncovering artefacts. It not only captured their
imagination but also sparked a genuine interest in learning more about the past”, a parent of a
seven-year-old participant remarked.
The workshop emphasised the importance of teamwork and collaboration. Children worked
together to decipher clues, share findings, and celebrate each discovery.
