Help underprivileged 'learn power of letters'

Dubai: The educational privileges enjoyed by the people of the UAE should be extended to those less fortunate, and the education sector here can play a pivotal role in achieving that, said Shaikh Ahmad Bin Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum.

"I want each and every one of you to join us in this Dubai Cares campaign. I want you to use your talents, your knowledge, ingenuity and abilities to make a difference to those who cannot do it for themselves," said Shaikh Ahmad.

His Highness Shaikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, will sponsor the first women's event in the series of main events organised by the Dubai Cares campaign.

The event will be held tomorrow at the Maktoum Ballroom of Dubai World Trade Centre. The event is hosted by Shaikha Manal Bint Mohammad Bin Rashid, President of the Dubai Women's Establishment.

On Monday night, the American University in Dubai pledged to raise Dh2m for the campaign.

"We plan to raise the pledged amount through activities and events, held at the university and that involve our faculty, staff and student bodies," said Elias Bou Sa'ab, Executive Vice-President of the university.

Tim Gallon, an instructor at the National Institute for Vocational Education, told Gulf News students and faculty at the institute had met to plan on how they could contribute to the campaign.

"We thought of producing plays and take them to different schools for a small fee".

Meanwhile, Zabeel Investments announced yesterday a contribution of Dh40 million to the fund "in the coming years", allocating a percentage of all its sales from current and future developments bringing the total pledged amount to the drive to Dh293 million.