DUBAI - The Million Books Challenge that began on November 4 ended on a high note on Wednesday crossing the target, with 1,323,218 books read, which meant donated, by students in the last two weeks.
At an event to which schools were invited to celebrate the success of the campaign, Reem Al Hashimy, Chairperson of Dubai Cares Board of Directors, said over 141,000 students participated in the challenge, which was part of the Dubai Cares initiative. When calculated, the figures show that a book was read every second during the challenge.
“The programme has not only allowed the students to enhance their reading skills but it clearly demonstrated to the world the philanthropic spirit of children in the United Arab Emirates,” said Reem.
Aimed at sustainability, Dubai Cares will build over 1,000 libraries in identified communities in unprivileged countries. “Dubai Cares is providing sustainable community centres of learning which effectively extend the reach of each book, maximising the impact on students and their communities for generations,” said Reem.
Speaking with Khaleej Times on the sidelines of the valedictory function of the challenge, Chris Tight, campaign director of Dubai Cares, said they were working with the NGO Room to Read as well as collaborating with other Arab NGOs to direct the resources to countries in dire need. “We are still deciding on the countries we will be supporting. However, wherever we build the libraries, we will be incorporating local language books that are specifically created and designed for the community.”
A book can also be sponsored for Dh10 each by calling 800 DXB CARES.
Dubai Cares, an initiative launched by His Highness Shaikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, is addressing the educational needs of more than four million children worldwide and is considered the largest charitable establishment.
Afshan Ahmed