HE Mohammed Al Gergawi latest Dubai Cares Mystery Reader

His Excellency Al Gergawi joins 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 903,798 books.

Her Excellency Reem Al Hashimy, Chairperson of Dubai Cares Board of Directors, said: "With only a few days to go in the Million Book Challenge, we are well on the way of reaching the 1 million-book mark. This is a significant accomplishment on the part of the students, parents and prominent community members like His Excellency - this is definitely a collective effort and speaks to the strength of our community to take on any challenge."

His Excellency read 'Paper Story' and engaged students throughout the story, asking them questions and continuously reminding them of the power of reading and knowledge.

"It is through reading and acquiring knowledge of the world around you that you can reach your goals and realize the vision you have for the world," said His Excellency. "The greatest contribution you can make to your country is to use your knowledge for the best interest of your country. Never forget the importance of reading and never underestimate its influence in shaping the world."

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.

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 AED10 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.