On International Literacy Day today, Muslim Aid recognises the importance of literacy for individuals and communities for the eradication of poverty, conquering diseases and achieving sustainable development.

A Spokesperson for Muslim Aid said: “Around 67.4 million children are out of school. Millions of young persons in refugee and IDP camps are missing out on basic education and skills development while their futures are on hold. Our goal therefore, is to achieve the UN Millennium Development Goals by delivering universal education to all. Literacy is a human right and an effective tool to fight poverty.”

Muslim Aid is committed to keeping literacy high on its agenda by developing key programmes of primary and vocational education for children and youth through its Rainbow Family sponsorship programme which provides education support for disadvantaged children across the world. Muslim Aid is also implementing informal education programmes for internally displaced children in Pakistan, Iraq and Sudan. A number of projects to build and rehabilitate schools are also a key strategy of Muslim Aid’s education programmes.

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Notes to Editors

• Muslim Aid is a UK based relief and development agency established in 1985 and working in over 70 countries with field offices in Bangladesh, Bosnia, Cambodia, Gambia, Indonesia, Iraq, Jordan, Kenya, Lebanon, Pakistan, Somalia, Sri Lanka and Sudan. Muslim Aid works with all in need, regardless of their race, religion, gender, nationality or political opinion. Muslim Aid programmes include emergency relief; capacity building through water, sanitation and health programmes; education and skills training; micro-financing and income generation and orphan care. Apart from supplying practical help, Muslim Aid tackles poverty by developing sustainable solutions, advocating for a more just and sustainable future.

• For further information about the work of Muslim Aid and its overseas field branches, please visit Muslim Aid website at www.muslimaid.org or contact Communications Officer Amina Rafique on +44 0207 377 4200 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .