'We all must do our part': Over 300 UAE school students serve workers for iftar
Miwan Awasthy, a third grader at Wesgreen International School, had a busy Friday. With a week off from school, he spent his morning attending tuition classes, including Arabic lessons. But the highlight of his day was something he had been eagerly waiting for, a chance to serve Iftar meals to thousands of workers at Sajja Labour Park in Sharjah, alongside over 300 other students.
'It was an amazing experience. I was so excited to come here and help the workers,' said Miwan. 'I have always been taught to share and be kind, but today, I actually got to do it. It makes me happy.'
Man behind the initiative
This heartwarming initiative, organised by Let's Walk Again, a campaign led by Dr Azam Badr Khan, fondly known as 'Dr Knee' by his patients, aimed to instill the values of giving, simplicity, and humbleness in children. Students from more than four schools came together to distribute over 3,000 meals to workers, engage in conversations with them, and learn about their struggles.
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Dr Knee has been distributing meals daily with the help of volunteers. However, on Fridays, the initiative invites school children to participate in mass gatherings to help instill a culture of giving at a young age. 'The reason we are doing this is to inculcate the habit of giving in children. They are our future, and the world needs such practices to live in harmony. When they interact with these workers, they realize the importance of humility and gratitude,' said Dr Knee.
He highlighted the importance of hands-on experiences in shaping young minds. 'It's not just about donating food. It's about connecting with people, understanding their struggles, and spreading kindness. I hope more schools and parents encourage their students to engage in such activities.'
Practicing the lessons learned
For Nihaarika Subash, a Grade 5 student at GEMS Our Own English School, the experience was fulfilling. 'We learn about kindness and giving in school, but here we put that learning into practice. It's a great feeling to serve the community. We are always told to help those who are less privileged, and today, I did that. It feels great,' she said.
Anup Sharda, a Grade 7 student from the same school, was deeply moved by the interactions he had with the workers. 'I happened to communicate with some of them, and their stories really inspired me. They work so hard and come here to earn money to provide for their families. I realized how grateful we should be for what we have,' said Sharda.
'We all must do our part in helping people. Experiencing this firsthand was a great feeling,' added Sharda.
He also reflected on the humility of the workers. 'Despite their hardships, they greeted us with smiles and warm words. It made me realize that true strength lies in humility.'
'World need this'
For Sreehari, a student at Our Own English High School, Sharjah Boys, volunteering is not a new feat. Having been part of numerous initiatives, he has now been selected for an award by the Sharjah government for his dedication to community service. 'It's a heartwarming experience every time. Seeing the happiness on the workers' faces makes all the effort worth it. It's not about how much we give but about making a difference in their lives,' he said.
He had a message for the young ones who want to volunteer: 'It's better to act now than to shy away from opportunities to help. Small acts of kindness create a ripple effect, and the world needs more of that.'
Teachers applauds children's efforts
Faculty members who accompanied the students were overwhelmed by their enthusiasm. Annie George, head of Art at Our Own English High School, Sharjah Boys, praised the initiative. 'This event has made a big difference. The students are not used to going out and giving in this way, but today, they stepped out of their comfort zones,' said George.
'This will teach them lifelong values of empathy and generosity. The UAE has always promoted a spirit of unity and support, and these students are putting that into practice,' added George.
The event left a lasting impression on all participants. Students not only distributed meals but also chatted with workers about their lives, understood the challenges they face, and learned the true essence of giving.
For many, it was a day of realisation on how simple acts of kindness can make a difference in people's life. Every student who volunteered said: 'I want to do this again. I am happy volunteering for such cause.'
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