This festive season, Eton Institute invites the community of learners to donate books in celebration of the UAE’s Year of Reading.Dubai, 21 December 2015  To support the UAE’s Year of Reading in 2016, as declared by President His Highness Shaikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Eton Institute, a leading international language & professional development training provider, launches its Holiday Book Drive to encourage the community of book lovers across the region to donate old and new books.According to President Shaikh Khalifa, highlighting the significance of reading as the basic skill is a springboard for the new generation of scientists, intellectual, researchers and innovators. He added by saying that the goal is to establish knowledge-based economy making the UAE as a global capital of culture, bringing about life-long behavioral change for the future multicultural generations.

According to The Arab Organization for Education, Science and Culture or (ALECSO, 2014), the illiteracy rate of the Arab countries increased to 20% of its total population or nearly 97 million from 2013 to 2014.

The festive season is all about sharing. As an Institute that advocates accessible learning to all, we encourage people in the UAE to give something memorable and valuable, such as the gift of learning, commented Moaz Khan, Marketing Director at Eton Institute.

Globally, 757 million adults (aged 15 years and older) and 115 million youth (aged 15-24 years old) are categorized as illiterate reported by the UNESCO Institute for Statistics (2015).

Eton Institute also commits to support Goal #4 of the UN Global Goals for Sustainable Development, which aspires to guarantee fair quality education and encourage life-long learning for individuals around the world. The simple act of generosity to share books will make a ripple effect to touch lives and eventually change world’s perspective on education and literacy, added Moaz Khan.

To drop off old and new books, visit Eton Institute Dubai or Abu Dhabi between 21st and 31st December 2015. All donations will be given to a local charity.

For more information about Eton Institute’s Holiday Book Drive and other initiatives, visit http://middleeast.etoninstitute.com/.

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