The Islamic Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ISESCO) has called upon the Islamic world to adopt effective measures to combat illiteracy through non-conventional national policies. It said large scale literacy programmes should come at the forefront of the tasks and responsibilities which involve all living forces, from governmental institutions to local community associations, professional organizations, trade unions, cultural, artistic and media institutions as well as the various sectors of society. "These measures should be part of an all-out campaign to be launched according to a definite schedule targeting all age groups within society." In a communique issued on the occasion of the World Literacy Day which is celebrated recently, ISESCO pointed out that literacy should be a regular and high priority item in the national policies of every country in the Islamic world. Accordingly, financial resources should be earmarked from the public budget, donations by individuals and institutions, Zakat and waqfs resources, revenues of sports events and artistic performances in order to fund literacy programmes according to a central plan which is subject to the control of the government, the parliament and local councils, UAE news agency "WAM" reported.
