UAE Minister of Education surprises students as Dubai Cares Mystery Reader

His Excellency read excerpts from 'My Vision', by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, and 'Hamad in Al Fuhaidi Fort', by Rashad Bu Khash.

His Excellency Dr. Hanif is among a group of prominent members of the community recruited by Dubai Cares to visit schools throughout the UAE to read a book and encourage students to keep reading so they can reach the one million-book mark by 16 November. Since the start of the Million Book Challenge, on 2 November, 2008, children throughout the community have read a total of 737,528.

Her Excellency Reem Al Hashimy, Chairperson of Dubai Cares Board of Directors, said:

"Dubai Cares appreciates the dedication of Mystery Readers like His Excellency Dr. Hanif Hassan, who are taking time out of their busy schedules to encourage students throughout the community to continue reading and inspire them to build on the accomplishments they have made so far in the Million Book Challenge."

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 organizations, including Arab NGO's throughout the region.

"Dubai Cares should be congratulated for its commitment to children both at home and abroad and for its efforts with schools like Hessa Bint Al Murr in building future generations inspired by the power of words and knowledge," said Dr. Hanif. "I am proud of the children throughout the UAE for answering the call of Dubai Cares and His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum with such excitement, which expresses their determination to better themselves with the riches of knowledge."

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 Dhs10 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 partnerships with international aid agencies.