Dubai: Twelve schools across Dubai united to pack 9,000 school kits for children from low-income families in the UAE. This effort, part of the Dubai Cares’ Students For Students initiative, engaged 3,573 student volunteers, supported by teachers, parents, and family members.
The first phase of the initiative involved a successful fundraising campaign, where students organized events such as spring fairs, bake sales, and games, raising over AED 700,000. This significant amount was used by Dubai Cares, a part of Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Initiatives (MBRGI), to purchase essential school supplies, including school bags and stationery.
Community Effort and Impact
Abdulla Ahmed Alshehhi, Chief Operating Officer at Dubai Cares, expressed his gratitude, stating, “The dedication and hard work of the students, teachers, and parents have been truly inspiring. Their efforts will significantly impact the lives of many children, ensuring they have the necessary tools for a successful academic year. We thank all the participating schools and students for their remarkable efforts and unwavering support and look forward to the participation of more schools in the coming year.”
Participating schools included Al Ittihad Private School – Al Mamzar, Collegiate International School, Dubai International Academy – Al Barsha, Dubai International Academy – Emirates Hills, GEMS Legacy School, GEMS Modern Academy, Jumeirah College, Jumeirah Primary School, Nord Anglia International School Dubai, Raffles International School, Raffles World Academy, Safa Community School, The Indian International School, and The Millennium School.
Voices from the Schools
Leanne Fridd, Principal of Safa Community School, praised the initiative: “As a school community, we thoroughly enjoyed working with Dubai Cares for such a worthy cause. I am very proud of our students who have shown exemplary leadership skills. We look forward to seeing the recipients’ faces when they receive their school kits in the new academic year.”
Arianna Abraham, a student at Jumeirah College, shared her experience: “It was amazing to see students of all age groups working together to make this initiative special. Supporting local charities is important because they address the needs of our community here in the UAE. The Students For Students initiative resonates with me because I believe everyone deserves quality education.”
Adele Martini, Geography Teacher and Grade 6 Leader at Dubai International Academy, encouraged other schools to participate: “It’s been great to see the school community come together. I encourage all schools to take part in the Students For Students initiative. It’s beneficial for the school community and the communities receiving the packed bags.”
Distribution and Future Participation
Dubai Cares will distribute the school kits to various charity schools and organizations in the UAE, including Al Etihad Charity Foundation, Al Ihsan Charity Association, Hemaya Schools, and National Charity Schools. Hassan Sawalmeh, Director of Boys School at the National Charity Schools, highlighted the initiative’s importance: “The ‘Students For Students’ initiative holds deep meaning for students from low-income families. It brings joy and fosters a sense of purpose and community for the volunteers.”
Schools interested in joining Dubai Cares’ Students For Students initiative can email Dubai Cares at Get.Involved(at)DubaiCares(dot)ae
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