ERC launches 'Reading Nation' campaign in refugees camps in Iraq and Jordan

The Emirates Red Crescent (ERC) today began distribution of 500,000 books to Iraqi internally displaced people Iraq (IDPs) and Syrian refugees in Kurdistan region in Iraq as part the Ramadan ‘Reading Nation’ campaign to give two million books to children and students in refugee camps in a number of countries.

The ERC knowledge drive is in response to the initiative launched by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, to provide five million books for children in refugee camps and students in under-privileged schools across the world and create 2,000 libraries in schools in need around the world by providing two million books and the rest will be available to support educational programmes of Emirati humanitarian organisations working abroad.

The ERC said in a press release that Syrian refugees in Jordan will also received 500,000 books.

Dr. Mohammed Ateeq Al Falahi, ERC Secretary General, stated that Sheikh Mohammed's initiative underscores the increasing role the UAE is playing in spreading the light of knowledge and education to remove darkness of illiteracy and ignorance and build capacities of vulnerable communities to step into the future using its modern techniques, the most important of which is education.

''We have devised an effective strategy and a clear mechanism to deliver the noble goals of the initiative. Towards that end, our overseas offices are conducting thorough studies to assess needs of regions we are working in from school textbooks and other titles in different fields of culture and knowledge,'' he added.

He noted the campaign was specifically launched from Kurdistan and Jordan because they are hosting the largest numbers of refugees and IDPs in the region.

''We are mulling adequate methods to implement the second phase of the initiative which is to establish libraries in camps for refugees and IDPs and in countries that lack services in fields of culture and knowledge,'' he said.

In launching the campaign, Sheikh Mohammed said, "Every Ramadan, the UAE gains the attention of millions of people globally for its enlightening efforts and campaigns that help build their future. This year, the UAE has moved from feeding the hungry and quenching thirst to nurturing the mind and the soul."

"Ramadan is a month of action, change and hope. The UAE will always remain a beacon of charity through serving Muslims across the world with modern tools that spread knowledge. If we truly want to open doors of hope for millions, we need to help them gain the knowledge they need," he added.

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

The ‘Reading Nation’ campaign conveys a message of love, tolerance and development sent by the UAE leadership and its people to the region and the world.

Source :WAM