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Al-Kandari on International Literacy Day: Literacy is a human right and a foundation for sustainable development.

Abdulaziz Al-Kandari, Deputy CEO of Namaa Charity at the Social Reform Society, said: "Literacy is one of the most pressing humanitarian and developmental issues in our world today. It is not just about teaching reading and writing, but rather a fundamental gateway to human dignity, sustainable development, and social peace. UNESCO estimates indicate that more than 771 million people around the world, most of whom are women and youth, still lack even the most basic literacy skills, a fact that poses an obstacle to the advancement and progress of societies." On the occasion of International Literacy Day, which falls on September 8 of each year, Al-Kandari added: "At Namaa Charity, and as an extension of the role of the Social Reform Society, we prioritize education through quality projects such as 'Teach Me and I Will Reward You,' 'University Student Sponsorship,' and the 'Education for All Center,' as well as other initiatives that have benefited thousands of students inside and outside Kuwait over the past years. These projects affirm our practical commitment to contributing to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals, particularly Goal 4, which is to ensure inclusive and equitable quality education for all." Al-Kandari continued: "On this occasion, we affirm that literacy is not a luxury, but rather a fundamental human right, a means to promote gender equality, and a key driver of human and social development. Therefore, we call on civil society institutions and the private sector to redouble their efforts and adopt innovative educational and training programs that respond to the needs of individuals and communities and open up future prospects for them." He explained that this day places a shared responsibility on us to rethink educational methods and expand the scope of literacy to include technical, digital, and cultural aspects, so that we can prepare future generations to keep pace with the rapid changes in the world. We, at Namaa Charity, are committed to being an active partner in this process, based on our humanitarian and Islamic values ​​and our vision to serve Kuwaiti society and the entire nation. Al-Kandari explained that Namaa Charity, as an extension of the role of the Social Reform Society, has made supporting education and combating illiteracy a strategic focus of our development work. Over the past few years, we have implemented a number of quality educational projects that have benefited thousands of male and female students inside and outside Kuwait. Among our most prominent programs is the “Teach Me and I Will Reward You” project, which reduces the burden of tuition fees for needy students and supports them with the necessary study bags, from which thousands of students benefit annually. In addition, we have the “University Student Sponsorship” project, which has enabled hundreds of students to continue their university education without interruption, and the “Education for All Center,” which offers development programs for public education students. Al Kandari concluded his statement by saying: “At Namaa Charity, we do not view education solely as a means to eradicate traditional illiteracy. Rather, we adopt a broader concept that encompasses technical, digital, and cultural illiteracy, enabling individuals to meet the challenges of the times and participate effectively in development. On this occasion, we call on our partners from government, private institutions, and civil society to redouble their efforts to achieve comprehensive and equitable education for all, and to work together for a future free of illiteracy, in which education is a bridge to human dignity, a means of empowering people, and a guarantee for achieving sustainable development and societal peace.”