Dubai: Mohammad Abdullah Al Gergawi, Minister of Cabinet Affairs, on Friday returned to his former school to encourage students to participate in the Million Book Challenge.
As part of the Dubai Cares initiative, Al Gergawi joined teachers and students at Al Aqsa School for Boys in the Al Rashidiyah area to read a book and encourage students to keep reading so they can reach the one million-book mark by November 16.
Since the start of the challenge, on November 2, 2008, children have read a total of 903,798 books.
Reem Al Hashemi, Minister of State and Chairperson of Dubai Cares Board of Directors, said: "With only a few days to go in the million book challenge, we are well on the way of reaching the one million book mark.
"This is a significant accomplishment on the part of the students, parents and prominent community members - this is definitely a collective effort and speaks to the strength of our community to take on any challenge," she added.
Al Gergawi read the 'Story of Paper' and engaged students throughout the story, asking them questions and continuously reminding them of the power of reading and knowledge.
"It is through reading and acquiring knowledge of the world around you that you can reach your goals and realise the vision you have for it," said Al Gergawi. "The greatest contribution you can make is to use your knowledge for the best interest of your country. Never forget the importance of reading and never underestimate its influence in shaping the world."
The million book challenge invites all students aged 3-14 years to collectively read 1,000,000 books in two weeks. For each book read, Dubai Cares will purchase and donate a book in the local language to needy children around the world.
The distribution of books will be managed by organisations, including Arab NGOs throughout the region.
Stacked atop one another, one million books is, conservatively, four kilometres high, which is five times the height of Burj Dubai, the tallest building in the world.
Each evening, Dubai Cares beams the total number of books read on Burj Dubai, which is being used as a visual thermometer, to mark the campaign's progress towards its goal.
Residents and visitors in the UAE can also contribute to strengthening literacy around the world by sponsoring a book for Dh10 each by calling 800-DXB-CARES or at participating bookstores.
Considered the largest charitable establishment solely devoted to improving primary education around the world, Dubai Cares is actively addressing the educational needs of more than four million children worldwide through international partnerships.