AlDhabi has a fantastic future ahead of her. I hope, like me, she finds career contentment that will last a lifetime.

At my school here in The Gambia, we have regular “inspire” lessons where we look at kids around the world doing amazing things. Video and news items predominate, and today a news report surfaced that I’ll be talking about at school on Monday.

But as it concerns being a writer, I’m sure this will be of interest to those in the publishing industry who have young children they want to inspire, or who just like a heart-warming story.

World’s Youngest Female Magazine Columnist

A remarkable milestone was achieved by AlDhabi AlMheiri, a ten-year-old Emirati, who has been recognised as the world’s youngest female magazine columnist. AlDhabi (I’m a modern-minded teacher, so cannot possibly refer to a child by their surname) received a Guinness World Records certificate for her columns published on Entrepreneur.com and Entrepreneur Middle East over the past six months.

Achievements and Recognition

AlDhabi’s columns, which cover a range of topics including financial literacy, sustainable finance, and inclusive education, have garnered significant attention. Her work is supported by BNC Publishing, a media publishing house dedicated to giving a voice to young Arab writers.

Wissam Younane, CEO of BNC Publishing, expressed pride in supporting young talents like AlDhabi and highlighted her exceptional talent and promising future.

Impact and Future Prospects

AlDhabi’s achievement is not just a personal triumph but also an inspiration for young writers and readers alike. Her columns address pressing issues with nuance and depth, advocating for clear regulations and equal educational opportunities.

AlDhabi’s success underscores the importance of nurturing young talent and providing platforms for their voices to be heard.

The View From the Beach

Back in nineteen-bow-and-arrow I won a Young Journalist of the Year award, aged nineteen, based on an article about equal educational opportunities, where I complained about never having learned to type while at school while all the girls got to do just that.

But at ten, AlDhabi is already way ahead of me at that age, and maybe even has learned to type, something I’m still working on. (I’m getting better. Steady with two fingers now, and aspiring to three some time in the 2030s!)

AlDhabi has a fantastic future ahead of her. I hope, like me, she finds career contentment that will last a lifetime.

For a photo of AlDhabi, check out Guinness World Records here.

For a photo of AlDhabi receiving the GWR certificate, check out Entrepreneur Middle East here.

This post first appeared in the TNPS LinkedIn newsfeed.