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Students from low-income families to receive 10,000 school bags across UAE

Students from low-income families to receive 10,000 school bags across UAE

Gulf Today2 days ago
In line with the declaration of the "Year of the Community," Dubai Cares, in partnership with Aldar Properties as the exclusive sponsor, organised a new edition of the "Volunteer in the UAE - Back to School" initiative in Abu Dhabi.
This follows the initiative's remarkable success in 2024, when 10,000 school bags were assembled for students from low-income families across the UAE, with the participation of over 450 volunteers, including 80 Aldar employees.
Abdullah Ahmed Al Shehhi, Chief Operating Officer at Dubai Cares, stated: "In the Year of the Community, the success of this initiative is a true testament to the spirit of unity and shared purpose which defines our nation.
Without the generous support of Aldar Properties and the exceptional commitment of volunteers, this achievement would not have been possible'.
Salwa Al Muflahi, Executive Director of Sustainability and Community Engagement at Aldar Properties, commented: "We believe that building a thriving and inclusive society begins with ensuring every child has the best opportunity to reach their full potential.
"Seeing hundreds of volunteers come together was a powerful reminder of the social cohesion that characterises the UAE. This initiative is not just about providing school supplies, but it is a real investment in local communities and a guarantee of prosperity for the UAE and its residents'.
Mohammed Al Balushi, an Emirati volunteer, shared: "I'm delighted to be in Abu Dhabi and participate in this initiative as a long-time volunteer. It always brings me joy to be part of an effort which puts smiles on children's faces. I'm confident that students will be overjoyed to receive their new school bags filled with everything they need to start the academic year with confidence and enthusiasm'.
It is worth noting that the school bags will be distributed to various schools across the UAE to support students in their academic journey, including Al Ihsan Charity Association in Ras Al Khaimah, Ajman, and surrounding areas, Ittihad Charity Foundation in Ajman, National Charity School in Dubai, Sharjah, and Ajman, Hemaya School in Dubai, Tolerance School in Abu Dhabi, Al Tafawoq Private School, and Al Dhaid Private School in Al Dhaid, Sharjah and Umm Al Qura Private School in Umm Al Quwain.
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Students from low-income families to receive 10,000 school bags across UAE
Students from low-income families to receive 10,000 school bags across UAE

Gulf Today

time2 days ago

  • Gulf Today

Students from low-income families to receive 10,000 school bags across UAE

In line with the declaration of the "Year of the Community," Dubai Cares, in partnership with Aldar Properties as the exclusive sponsor, organised a new edition of the "Volunteer in the UAE - Back to School" initiative in Abu Dhabi. This follows the initiative's remarkable success in 2024, when 10,000 school bags were assembled for students from low-income families across the UAE, with the participation of over 450 volunteers, including 80 Aldar employees. Abdullah Ahmed Al Shehhi, Chief Operating Officer at Dubai Cares, stated: "In the Year of the Community, the success of this initiative is a true testament to the spirit of unity and shared purpose which defines our nation. Without the generous support of Aldar Properties and the exceptional commitment of volunteers, this achievement would not have been possible'. Salwa Al Muflahi, Executive Director of Sustainability and Community Engagement at Aldar Properties, commented: "We believe that building a thriving and inclusive society begins with ensuring every child has the best opportunity to reach their full potential. "Seeing hundreds of volunteers come together was a powerful reminder of the social cohesion that characterises the UAE. This initiative is not just about providing school supplies, but it is a real investment in local communities and a guarantee of prosperity for the UAE and its residents'. Mohammed Al Balushi, an Emirati volunteer, shared: "I'm delighted to be in Abu Dhabi and participate in this initiative as a long-time volunteer. It always brings me joy to be part of an effort which puts smiles on children's faces. I'm confident that students will be overjoyed to receive their new school bags filled with everything they need to start the academic year with confidence and enthusiasm'. It is worth noting that the school bags will be distributed to various schools across the UAE to support students in their academic journey, including Al Ihsan Charity Association in Ras Al Khaimah, Ajman, and surrounding areas, Ittihad Charity Foundation in Ajman, National Charity School in Dubai, Sharjah, and Ajman, Hemaya School in Dubai, Tolerance School in Abu Dhabi, Al Tafawoq Private School, and Al Dhaid Private School in Al Dhaid, Sharjah and Umm Al Qura Private School in Umm Al Quwain.

'Like gift for a best friend': UAE volunteers pack 10,000 school kits for low-income students
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Khaleej Times

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'Like gift for a best friend': UAE volunteers pack 10,000 school kits for low-income students

The sound of tape ripping, boxes opening and instructions being called out filled the air as hundreds of volunteers worked side-by-side in Abu Dhabi on Friday, packing school bags for children from low-income families ahead of the new academic year. More than 450 volunteers, including 80 Aldar employees, came together at Nabat Al Falah to assemble 10,000 school kits as part of the 'Volunteer Emirates — Back to School' initiative, organised by Dubai Cares in partnership with Aldar. The bags will be distributed through nine partner schools and charities across all seven emirates. Beneficiaries include charity-run and private schools, as well as students from low-income families enrolled in government schools. 'This year we expanded from seven to nine partners (schools and charitable organisations),' said Abdulla Ahmed Al Shehhi, Chief Operating Officer at Dubai Cares. 'We're reaching more communities, and it's not just charity schools; it's families who need the support, wherever their children are enrolled.' In a first for the initiative, school bags were customised by gender: purple and white for girls, and green and black for boys. 'We wanted to make the pupils feel even more special,' Al Shehhi said. Long-time volunteer Shalin Kaladharan, who was managing the packaging team, said the colour-coded bags added an extra 'happy factor' this year. 'We tell the volunteers to think of this as making a gift for a best friend — imagine the smile you want them to have,' he said, overseeing a checklist to ensure each bag contained sketchbooks, notebooks, pens, pencils, erasers, scales and coloured pencils. By mid-morning, volunteers had already packed 3,500 of the 10,000 kits, which were being loaded directly onto trucks for delivery. For first-time volunteer Ahmad Shahin, assistant Vice President in Aldar's strategic sourcing team, the experience was about more than just packing stationery. 'Contributing to a good cause is the best feeling you might have,' he said, while packing marker pens at one of the assembly stations. Shahin brought along his sons, aged 8 and 12, to take part. 'I wanted to have the feeling that I play a crucial role in organising things and contributing to a good cause,' said 12-year-old Shihab. 'My heart flutters with joy even with the smallest things, like repacking pencils or glue sticks. The quality of the bags is amazing, and it feels rewarding to be part of this.' Volunteer Emirates – Back to School has been running for more than a decade, with previous editions also supporting children in developing countries. In recent years, Dubai Cares has focused on the initiative locally. 'This is one of our most popular volunteer programmes because education touches everyone,' Al Shehhi said. 'When you see people coming together, from children to the elderly, it makes you proud of the community spirit we have in the UAE.' The school kits will reach students through partners including Al Ihsan Charity Association, Al Etihad Charity Foundation, National Charity School, Hemaya School, The School of Tolerance, Al Tafawq Private School, Al Dhaid Private School, and Umm Al Qura Private School.

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Abu Dhabi to host first World Deaf Congress in Middle East

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