×
Is my donation secure?
Is this donation tax-deductible?
Can I cancel my recurring donation?
Illiteracy is considered a deep wound that tears apart the fabric of societies affected by wars and conflicts. It deprives individuals of their basic right to education and negatively impacts their self-confidence and abilities. Combating illiteracy is a necessary step towards building more just and equal societies.
Ulfah shines a glimmer of hope in areas of darkness through its “Eradicating Illiteracy” project, which aims to empower individuals and build a better future.
Wars often target schools and universities, leading to the loss of dedicated learning spaces. These difficult conditions cause the destruction of educational infrastructure and the displacement of populations, depriving large numbers of people of their right to education.
Priorities in war zones are often focused on providing basic necessities such as food and shelter, leading to the neglect of education. Ulfah works to address this dilemma by providing innovative educational programs targeting all age groups. Through its “Eradicating Illiteracy” project, it seeks to enable thousands of people to read and write within a short period, thus resulting in the building of more just and prosperous societies.
Beyond education, Ulfah provides a holistic environment for students through various recreational and social activities. These include communal Ramadan Iftars, gift and clothing distributions, Eid al-Adha meat distribution, and sports events. These initiatives foster stronger bonds among students, improve their psychological well-being, and create a stimulating educational atmosphere that enhances their motivation to learn.
UNESCO’s latest data reveals that around 773 million adults globally (14%) are illiterate, with developing countries facing the highest rates. Meanwhile, ALECSO reports approximately 69.4 million illiterate individuals aged 15 and over in the Arab world.
Launched in 2019 to combat illiteracy in northern Syria and southern Turkey, the ulfah initiative initially attracted 3,200 learners. Although the coronavirus pandemic has halved the number of learners, this difficult experience has highlighted the critical need for resilience and the enduring power of education as a beacon of hope.
The educational program is provided to all age groups, from young children to adults. Keen to meet the needs of learners, the project also includes:
The ULFAH project effectively integrated literacy with Quranic education, resulting in 7 students memorizing the Quran and several students memorizing multiple parts. Moreover, 600 students acquired basic reading and writing skills, enhancing their community engagement. This successful combination has fostered significant educational and personal growth.
The illiteracy eradication efforts that began in 2019 in Syria and Gaziantep are clear evidence that will and determination are the driving force behind change. Despite the challenges faced by the initiative, it was able to achieve tangible accomplishments that represent a starting point towards a better future.
Through effective partnerships, Ulfah seeks to bridge the educational gap in remote areas. The severe shortage of schools and qualified teachers represents a major obstacle to the elimination of illiteracy. Together, we can build educated societies capable of facing challenges and believing that education is the best investment in the future.
