When Ramadan promoted joy of reading

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When Ramadan promoted joy of reading

Dubai - This year, the UAE has moved from feeding the hungry and quenching thirst to nurturing the mind and the soul

By Gaurav Achipalya

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Published: Sat 24 Dec 2016, 6:13 PM

Last updated: Sat 24 Dec 2016, 8:17 PM

His Highness Shaikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, announced the launch of a special Ramadan reading campaign in the UAE that aimed to provide 5 million books for children in refugee camps and students in under-privileged schools across the world. It was named 'The Reading Nation' campaign.
The campaign aimed to distribute two million books to children and students in refugee camps, in addition to creating 2,000 libraries in schools in need around the world. Shaikh 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."
"We call on public and private sector entities to activate their role in society. The campaign will continue until the 19th day of Ramadan that coincides with Zayed Humanitarian Day. We will definitely reap the fruits of the efforts made by our founding father, the late Shaikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, and gain the science and knowledge necessary for the progress of our country and the world," he added.
Dedicated desks and kiosks had been set up in shopping malls throughout the UAE and more than 700 people from different countries volunteered for this campaign that went on to collect Dh10m on day 1 itself. This included Dh3 million each from Etisalat and du, Dh1 million each contributed by Kanoo Group and by Al Ansari Exchange, Dh300,000 donated by the heirs of Obaid Mohammed Al Helou and Dh1.9 million collected in donation through SMS. Also, another notable fact is that more than 500 schools from across the UAE actively participated in the donation campaign.
When the campaign ended on the 19th day of Ramadan, Shaikh Mohammed in a series of tweets said: "As we enter the last days of Ramadan, our 'Reading Nation' campaign comes to an end. Our goal was 5 million books. We achieved 8 million. Eight million books will open doors of hope for millions of needy students and refugees, and shows we are truly a nation of readers. Our thanks to all who contributed, participated and supported. Ramadan is the month of goodness and our UAE is a nation of giving and care."
gaurav@khaleejtimes.com


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