Dubai: Worldwide, 774 million adults are illiterate. In the region, illiteracy rates range from a huge 72 per cent in Afghanistan, to just 1 per cent in Kuwait (2009 statistics, United Nations). Many African countries also display high illiteracy rates.
Literacy is something that should be a "basic human right" according to Isobel Abulhoul, Director, Emirates Airline Festival of Literature and Founder, Magrudy's bookstores.
"It is a large issue worldwide, not just in the Middle East," she told Gulf News, "It is a long process to improve literacy rates, but absolutely essential that we give our full efforts to this goal".
The Literature Festival has been described as a "celebration of literature in all its forms", which offers residents and overseas visitors the opportunity to meet famous authors, attend literary debates, listen to readings and participate in workshops.
A large Fringe festival, held and organised in association with the UAE's schools, is also held every year, bringing together members of the community from all walks of life.
Patron
On Wednesday January 26, it was announced that His Highness Shaikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, is the new patron of the Literature Festival, now in its third year.
It is held with the support of the Dubai Culture and Arts Authority (Dubai Culture) and is a non-profit event supported by sponsorship and the voluntary efforts of Dubai's dedicated reading community.
Shaikh Mohammad — himself a poet — established the Mohammad Bin Rashid Foundation in 2007, to invest in knowledge and human development.
To establish a knowledge-based society — the Foundation believes — requires the elimination of illiteracy, stimulation of research and development and a broader access to knowledge.
In the same year, Shaikh Mohammad launched Dubai Cares — a philanthropic organisation that aims to improve children's access to quality primary education in developing countries.
To date, Dubai Cares has built and renovated more than 2,000 schools; trained more than 20,000 teachers; created more than 480 libraries; and distributed 1.3 million books written in local languages.
Education Day
Literacy and education are central themes of the Festival and their importance is exemplified by the dedicated Education Day.
One of the aims, Abulhoul said is "to spread the word as far as we are able! We think it is especially important to allow students the chance to meet and listen to authors. This has proven each year to make a difference, to inspire and encourage students to read and also write", she said.
A majority of more than 100 authors attending the Festival this year, will be visiting schools and colleges, or performing at the theatre at the Scientific and Cultural Association in Al Mamzar.
