Raqqa, Sept. 12 (SANA)Visitors to the first “Hala Madrasati” (Hello My School)festival in Raqqapraised the variety of products and competitive prices, saying the event helped families purchase school supplies in one place and easefinancial pressures.

Visitors told SANA that competition among exhibitors contributed to lower prices for stationery, clothing and school bags, allowing families to secure their children’s needs with the start of the new academic year.

Ali al-Hammoud highlighted the importance of holding more exhibitions and festivals in the province to strengthen competition and provide wider options for consumers.

Mustafa al-Ali said bringing stationery, school bags, clothing and other educational necessities together in one venue saved families time and effort by reducing the need to move between markets and shops.

Saddam al-Darwish and Hussein al-Athab said direct sales from manufacturers to consumers provided festival visitors with a wider range of choices.

The “Hala Madrasati” festival, launched in early September in Raqqa, continues until September 15, with the participation of around 55 exhibitors, including manufacturers, companies and bookstores.