Out & About in Abu Dhabi: Read write

Have you got a story to tell us? Is there a 'most unforgettable character' you know in Abu Dhabi? Is there some activity going on which a wider audience would like to hear about? Do you have an unusual lifestyle or hobby which would make amusing or interesting reading for the residents of
Abu Dhabi? Please fax us your stories on 02-6274242. We look forward to hearing from you

You're doing it now without even thinking about it. Reading. It's a skill so many take for granted and yet for others, it is an impossible task.

Even as you are reading this newspaper, many millions in the world today are illiterate. Although a malaise of the underdeveloped world, illiteracy is not confined to these countries. It is estimated that up to 20 to 25 per cent of the adult population in many developed countries too are illiterate to some degree.

To try and overcome world illiteracy, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation, (UNESCO) has designated September 8 as the International Literacy Day, the first of which was celebrated in 1966.

Throughout this month, all round the world, events will be taking place to promote literacy. In Abu Dhabi, Marina Mall will be participating in the awareness drive. A story corner will be set up in the children's area of IKEA store. Stories will be narrated in both English and Arabic on September 16, 19, 23 and 26 between 4.00pm and 5.00pm.

"People come to the mall to relax and shop, but we think that they can also learn, especially children," says Theresa Backus Dunn, marketing manager, Marina Mall.

Being aware that for many, access to books is a stumbling block towards literacy, the mall will hold a charity book drive from September 15 to 30. During the drive, any book in any language can be left in a central drop site on the mall's ground floor. The collected books will go to countries in need of them.

Reading is only part of the picture. Although definitions vary, generally an illiterate person is someone who cannot, with understanding, read and write a simple statement. The ability to write meaningfully is the other skill essential for literacy.

To promote writing, whether in English or Arabic, the mall will hold a children's short story competition for those between five and 14 years. Entry forms can be picked up in the mall. Local schools have also been contacted, and so far, from those schools which have already started the term, the response has been good.

The competition will be held in three categories - five to seven years, eight to 11 years and 12 to 14 years. The closing date for submitting the entry is September 21.

The winning stories will be on display in the mall until October.