8,500 Sri Lankans benefit from Dubai charity’s literacy programme

The Literacy Boost programme, organised by Dubai Cares in conjunction with Save the Children charity, took place in 40 schools in the country.

DUBAI // More than 8,500 Sri Lankans have taken part in literacy lessons thanks to a UAE charitable organisation.

Literacy Boost, a programme organised by Dubai Cares in conjunction with Save the Children charity, was staged in 40 schools.

Tariq Al Gurg, chief executive of Dubai Cares, said that the Literacy Boost programme provided “real change in the intervention areas” by helping “foster skills that will be helpful in the long run”.

The scheme is near the end of its pilot phase. “We look forward to its continued success as the trained government authorities, teachers and local community are now equipped and motivated to embed and sustain its activities,” Mr Al Gurg said.

He believed Sri Lanka was “a country on the rise” that had “an opportunity to change course and boost its productivity by ensuring that the new generation takes advantage of the opportunities for social, professional and financial development”.

“The skills to read, write and count are the first step in this path and through Dubai Cares Literacy Boost programme we are paving the way for a sustainable future through education,” he added.

Dubai Cares has invested about Dh3.4 million in the programme over the past three years, with some of that money also being used to in establishing 100 libraries.