Saudi Arabia’s literacy push comes with a cash prize

A Saudi education campaign will offer financial rewards as part of efforts to reduce illiteracy in isolated and remote areas of the Kingdom.

The Education Ministry’s summer campaigns will be run in four departments: Al-Khadra in Makkah, Al-Wajh in Tabuk, Al-Edabi in Sabya and Tarj in Bisha.

The two-month campaigns will run until Aug. 5 and come as Saudi Arabia increases efforts to reduce illiteracy in line with Saudi Vision 2030, and improve education in all areas of the Kingdom.

Summer campaigns will be held in areas where it is difficult to organize regular classes, such as regions that are home to nomadic Bedouin.

The program targets men and women whose circumstances have hindered their studies, and aims to familiarize students with holy teachings. It will also teach the principles of reading and writing, reinforce a sense of national belonging, and raise cultural awareness in religious, social, health, economic and agricultural areas.

The Education Ministry is supported by several government sectors in the program’s introduction: The Ministry of Islamic Affairs, Dawah and Guidance; Ministry of Health; Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture; Ministry of Labor and Social Development, Ministry of Information; and the Technical and Vocational Training Corp.