LONDON: More than 400 volunteers in Abu Dhabi put together 10,000 back-to-school kits on Friday for children from low-income families.
The kits, packed with essential supplies, will be handed out to pupils across the UAE to help ensure all children have the classroom essentials they need to start the new school year.
This year is the first in which the long-running initiative, organized by Dubai Cares as part of its Volunteer Emirates campaign in partnership with Aldar, has been held in the UAE’s capital, the Emirates News Agency reported.
“The success of this initiative is due in no small part to the extraordinary commitment of the volunteers and our sponsor, Aldar, who joined us in Abu Dhabi,” said Abdulla Ahmed Alshehhi, chief operating officer of Dubai Cares.
“Their participation not only made this initiative possible but also demonstrated the profound impact that community engagement can have in addressing social challenges. We are proud to work alongside Aldar and our volunteers to ensure that every child has the tools they need to succeed in school.”
Faisal Falaknaz, Aldar’s group chief financial and sustainability officer, said that seeing so many volunteers come together in support of the initiative was “truly inspiring.”
He added: “Overall, the energy and sense of community was fantastic, and we look forward to future volunteering events that bring people together for worthy causes across the UAE.”
Shalin Kaladharan said he has been volunteering for Dubai Cares since 2013 and it has always been a positive and fulfilling experience.
“Every initiative is well-organized, allowing us to work with passion and purpose,” he added. “Since my first experience, I’ve been committed to attending all Dubai Cares initiatives, and in 2020 I proudly became a volunteer leader. Volunteering isn’t just something I do, it’s part of who I am.”
Safiya Japanwala, a volunteer from India, said: “I’ve lived in the UAE for over 30 years, and I'm volunteering with one of my three children. This is my first time volunteering with Dubai Cares, after my cousin invited me to join.
“I wanted to contribute more, feeling that donations alone weren’t enough. I’m amazed by the scale of this initiative, seeing so many nationalities working together enthusiastically, all motivated by a shared desire to make a difference.”
