UAE- New Ramadan campaign will benefit millions: paper
(MENAFN- Emirates News Agency (WAM))
ABU DHABI, 7th June, 2016 (WAM) -- The UAE's new Ramadan campaign to distribute millions of books in countries where up to 30 children share a book will benefit millions of those who have limited or no access to knowledge, said a local daily.
While launching the campaign, Vice President and Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, said, "The fastest way to eradicate poverty is by eliminating ignorance. If we truly want to open the doors of hope for millions, we need to help them gain the knowledge they need."
"These words can only come from a visionary leader and someone who is compassionate," said Gulf News in an editorial on Tuesday.
"Under the 'Reading Nation' campaign, the UAE will give a total of five million books; one million to support educational programmes carried out by the country's humanitarian organisations; two million to be distributed in refugee camps and another two million for libraries in 2,000 schools across the Arab and Islamic world. This campaign must not be seen as just an act of charity.
"This campaign, if carried out in full measure, will impact several generations. Sheikh Mohammad is aware of the responsibilities of affluent nations to help the world's less-advantaged in gaining knowledge. "In some countries, 30 children share one book only. Therefore, our religious and civilisational responsibility is to support those seeking knowledge," he tweeted on Sunday after launching the campaign.
"The campaign can only succeed if public and private institutions come together and the business community pitches in. It will end on the 19th day of Ramadan, coinciding with Zayed Humanitarian Day. Ramadan is the best time for this campaign as the first verse of the Quran was revealed during this month.
"As Sheikh Mohammad said on Sunday, the best way to get closer to God in this month is by spreading knowledge," concluded the Dubai-based daily
WAM/Esraa