Dubai: Over a million children will benefit from the 'Dubai Cares' campaign, launched by His Highness Shaikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, which aims to break "the cycle of poverty" and empower children with education for a better future.
The "Dubai Cares" campaign aims to raise at least Dh200 million from across Dubai's diverse community to provide children in some of the world's poorest countries with primary education.
It sets out to build new school facilities; renovate and rehabilitate existing, abandoned or damaged school premises; distribute school materials; award scholarships; coordinate a food programme at schools; an annual medical check-up for pupils and teachers; and provide training and workshops for teachers.
The campaign is being spearheaded by Shaikh Mohammad and his children, who will unveil a number of initiatives over the next six weeks.
According to organisers, in addition to raising money for the less fortunate around the world, 'Dubai Cares' also seeks to get Dubai's community, including individuals and the private sector, involved in the project, instilling a sense of social cohesion.
"I expect both Emiratis and expatriates to compete in charity and to participate in any way you find suitable .... In our country, we added to our Arab and Islamic tradition a diversity of values represented by the diverse mixture we have here of companies, cultures and nationalities from all over the world," Shaikh Mohammad said in his speech.
Launched in Madinat Jumeirah, 'Dubai Cares' is a charity drive during Ramadan to raise funds for primary education, effectively laying the basis for sustained economic growth, sound governance and effective institutions.
Soon after the announcement of the campaign, Shaikh Ahmad Bin Saeed Al Maktoum, President of Dubai Civil Aviation and Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Emirates Airlines and Group, announced the donation of Dh10 million.
Major General Musabeh Rashid Musabeh Al Fattan, Director of Diwan of His Highness Shaikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, and his family also announced a donation of Dh10 million per year to 'Dubai Cares', pledging to build seven schools throughout the world every year.
Sultan Ahmad Bin Sulayem, Chairman of Dubai World, pledged Dh20 million every year.
Shaikh Hasher Al Maktoum, Director of Dubai Information Department, pledged Dh10 million.
Expatriate community leaders said they have full confidence their respective nationals residing in the UAE will make the maximum effort to support the campaign.
Role of community
French Consul General, Robert Jongeryck, said the campaign could not have been launched at a better time as Ramadan is the perfect backdrop for such a charitable initiative. "I'm confident French businesses and individuals as well as other nationalities will do their utmost to support the campaign," said Jongeryck.
Venu Rajamony, Consul General of India, echoed similar views. "I'm sure the Indian community will be happy to support all good initiatives of His Highness Shaikh Mohammad. We look forward to hearing about the details of the campaign," he said.
