This month, World Book Day on March 4th 2010, saw the breaking of a Guinness World Record for 'the most children reading with an adult.'

The Big Read was an event organised by IF charity, Islamic Forum Europe, Muslim Aid, Tower Hamlets Council and the London Muslim Centre, where the event was held. The project saw the creation of a new world record as 3,234 participants took part to break the previous record of 3,032 held by a school in Dubai. The project was aimed at promoting the importance of literacy and education and saw the participation of many schools across London, with children and adults of all cultural, religious and ethnic backgrounds taking part.

The Youth Committee Chair, Mujibul Islam, and Secretary, Lubaaba Al-Azami, were amongst those present and participating at the event. Speaking after the event, Mujibul Islam commented that 'by bringing adults and children of all background together to unite in advocating for such essential issues of literacy and education, the Muslim community proves its sincere dedication to community cohesion and progress in Britain.' Lubaaba Al-Azami observed, 'The Big Read is a testament to the great work that the organisations involved engage in and their commitment to promoting the common good. It was a pleasure to participate in such an innovative campaign and of course wonderful to be part of a new world record!'

The Youth Committee would like to congratulate the organisers in achieving this great feat and wish it success in all such future innovative and progressive endeavours.

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