Over 3000 students from various Dubai schools united to assemble school kits for children from low-income families across the UAE. The second phase of Dubai Cares' Students For Students program witnessed volunteers preparing 9,000 school kits for their fellow students. These kits will be distributed by Dubai Cares to several charitable schools and organizations in the UAE, ensuring they reach students before the commencement of the new academic year. Beneficiaries include the Al Etihad Charity Foundation, Al Ihsan Charity Association, Hemaya Schools, and National Charity Schools.
Hassan Sawalmeh from the National Charity Schools highlighted the profound impact of this initiative on students from disadvantaged backgrounds. "It fills their hearts with joy and a sense of belonging, reminding them they are not alone in their struggles," he explained. "For the volunteers, this initiative is equally significant as it cultivates a sense of purpose and community, enabling them to acquire valuable skills and earn respect and recognition. We are thankful to Dubai Cares for spearheading this initiative and anticipate participating in more activities that uphold humanitarian values and support our community."
A total of 3,573 student volunteers, along with teachers, parents, and family members, contributed to supporting the education of underprivileged children. Arianna Abraham, a student at Jumeirah College, was among the volunteers. "We had a fantastic time during the school kit packing activity," she shared. "It was incredible to see students of all ages collaborating to make this initiative truly special. Some even crafted handwritten postcards, and everyone ensured the bags were packed meticulously with great care. Supporting local charities is crucial as they address the specific needs of our community in the UAE. I hope these backpacks bring a pleasant surprise to the recipients in the new school year."
During the first phase of the initiative, students from various Dubai schools organized multiple events such as spring fairs, bake sales, and games to raise funds. These efforts resulted in collecting over Dh700,000, which Dubai Cares, a part of Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Initiatives (MBRGI), utilized to procure essential school supplies, including bags and stationery. Abdulla Ahmed Alshehhi, Chief Operating Officer at Dubai Cares, expressed deep admiration for the community spirit exhibited by the participants across the 14 schools. "The commitment and hard work of the students, teachers, and parents have been truly inspiring," he noted. "Their efforts will significantly enhance the lives of many children, ensuring they have the necessary tools for a successful academic year." He also mentioned that the feedback on the initiative has been very positive. "It effectively engages students in making a positive impact. We extend our gratitude to all the participating schools and students for their outstanding efforts and steadfast support and look forward to welcoming more schools in the upcoming year."
Leanne Fridd, the principal of Safa Community School, one of the event participants, expressed her pride in her students. "They have demonstrated exceptional leadership skills, leading our spring fair in February to raise over Dh 80,000. Our students were remarkable in packing over 1,000 school kits," she said. "We eagerly anticipate seeing the recipients' reactions when they receive their kits in the new academic year. A heartfelt thank you to Dubai Cares for leading this initiative and allowing us to be a part of it; their organization has been exceptional, and we look forward to future collaborations," she added.
