Culture & Education | Wednesday 8 June, 2016 3:27 am |

The ‘Reading Nation’ campaign that was launched by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, on the first day of Ramadan, has already attracted over 700 volunteers from the UAE.

 

The campaign aims to provide five million books for children in refugee camps and students in under-privileged schools across the world. The UAE volunteers will help manage the campaign’s events held across schools and malls in Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Sharjah to ensure their seamless organisation and success.

 

Since the launch of the ‘Reading Nation’ Ramadan campaign, volunteers have been assigned to various participating schools and malls to communicate with families, students and visitors and inform them about the details and significance of the humanitarian initiative. Besides assisting donors to complete their donations and write personal messages, volunteers are also involved in preparing boxes for shipping the boxes overseas. 

 

The multinational volunteers include Emiratis, Jordanians, and Syrians. Having participated in earlier campaigns led by Dubai Cares, the volunteers hold the experience required for encouraging people to donate to various campaigns and initiatives. More importantly, all the volunteers are committed to making a tangible difference to the lives of the poor and the needy. 

 

His Excellency Tariq Al Gurg, CEO of Dubai Cares, said: “The ‘Reading Nation’ campaign follows the model set by the UAE’s humanitarian initiatives that attract volunteers of various nationalities and age groups – who are a part and parcel of the country’s diverse society. This approach is proving to be highly effective today.” 

 

He added: “The volunteer team includes some of the brightest young men and women who would like to express their belonging not just to the UAE but also to the humanitarian issues that transcend ethnicities, religions and geographies. Such noble feelings have a positive effect on the campaign’s journey and ensure a wider participation from all social segments.”  

 

For her part, Manal Al Masfari, a 27-year-old Emirati national who has volunteered in the ‘Reading Nation’ campaign in Dubai Festival City, said: “This is my first volunteering contribution. My mother encouraged me to join this campaign. I am really proud to be part of it because it is an Emirati gesture to the world, and because it comes during Ramadan. Also, I love books and I cannot imagine children not being able to continue their education or gain knowledge without books.”  

 

Commenting on the campaign work in Dubai Festival City, Reem Qutb, a 27-year-old Jordanian volunteer said: “I always volunteer in Dubai Cares campaigns, but taking part in this one is particularly important to me. It engages the youth and adults in a noble mission and tests our compassion with those that need hope and assistance for their future. It has been only two days since the campaign started, but the enthusiasm we see from everyone and especially children is heartwarming.” 

 

Rabieh Al Mhairi, a 36-year-old Syrian volunteer in Mirdiff City Centre said: “This is my first volunteering experience with Dubai Cares. This cause touches me personally. I believe it is a great step to provide needy children with food and water and cloth. We need to fulfill their moral, social and cultural needs so they too can enjoy their right to education and knowledge.” 

 

When asked about people’s response to the campaign, Rabieh said: “It is amazing! Especially from kids who enjoys writing messages to children they don’t know in refugees camps but who know that they need care and love. And parents are more engaged and enthusiastic when they see their children happy to contribute to the campaign.”  

 

Reading Nation campaign has been rolled out in full force across malls and shopping centers in Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Sharjah. As part of the campaign, volunteers at branded ‘Reading Nation’ kiosks and stands at malls and retail outlets across the UAE will offer visitors sample books that can be purchased to support the campaign. 

 

Schools are also organizing activities where students and parent can donate used books to support the efforts of the campaign in providing two million books to refugee children and a further two million books to establish more than 2,000 schools libraries around the world. In addition, the campaign is also mandated to support the educational programs implemented by UAE humanitarian organizations worldwide.  

 

The campaign will continue until the 19th day of Ramadan that coincides with the Zayed Humanitarian Day.

 

The campaign is managed by a committee headed by H.E. Mohammed Al Gergawi, Secretary General, Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Initiatives, and includes members from the government, media, national and humanitarian organizations in the UAE. The committee also includes representatives of the Emirates Red Crescent, Dubai Cares, Du Telecommunications, Etisalat, Abu Dhabi Media, Dubai Media Incorporated, Arab Media Group, national Arabic and English newspapers and publications, and International Humanitarian City. 

 

 

Etisalat and Du Telecommunications have dedicated toll-free numbers through which individuals can make donations to the campaign throughout Ramadan, with each book costing AED10.  Corporate bundle packages include donating 50,000 to 500,000 books at costs ranging from AED500,000 to AED10,000,000. 

 

The Emirates Red Crescent and Dubai Cares will also receive donations through their bank accounts, branch locations, and donation kiosks across the country.