As part of its ongoing efforts to combat illiteracy and encourage education in society, the Sharjah Social Services Department succeeded in attracting 260 elderly women and involving them in literacy programmes, with the oldest of them reaching 87 years of age. These programs are part of the community initiatives that the department seeks to achieve, with the aim of enabling different groups of society, especially older women, to learn and develop their skills. Maryam Al-Qaseer, Director of the Department of Social Education at the Department, explained that literacy programs include several levels starting from the introductory level to the advanced, by providing intensive educational sessions throughout the week to enhance basic skills in reading, writing, and mathematics, as the program plan was designed in cooperation with experts. From the University of Sharjah and the Ministry of Education, ensuring effective coordination with the needs of the elderly group. Al-Quseir pointed out that the literacy programs come as a complementary addition to the “Knowledge is Light” initiative, which was launched in 2016, as this initiative reflects a strong commitment by the participants who see education and literacy as an opportunity to improve the quality of their lives and achieve a positive transformation in their reality. Continuous efforts In a related context, Maryam Saeed Al Muhairi, Head of the Department’s Continuing Education Department, explained that these programs were implemented within the framework of continuous cooperation with specialized institutions and departments, as the Holy Qur’an memorization program was implemented in cooperation with the Holy Qur’an and Sunnah Foundation, through 12 Holy Qur’an portfolios for all centers. There are 18 centres. In addition to the program of Qur’anic sciences and the Sunnah of the Prophet, which was implemented in cooperation with the Department of Islamic Affairs, with the aim of enriching the religious and jurisprudential knowledge of female learners through Qur’anic interpretation and reflections on the Prophet’s biography, where 7 female preachers affiliated with the department implement the religious program. Al Muhairi added that the efforts of the Department of Social Services continue to provide support to different groups of society through 18 study centers distributed across the department’s branches in the cities of Sharjah, Hamriyah, Al Dhaid, Al Bataeh, Maliha, Al Madam, Dibba Al Hisn, Khor Fakkan, and Kalba, which reflects its commitment to achieving excellence in the field of combating illiteracy and enhancing opportunities. Learning for all.