Pupils get opportunity to volunteer with NGOs

Dubai: High school pupils from Dubai will get an opportunity to work as volunteers with non-governmental organisations at Dubai Humanitarian City.

Dubai Schools Agency and the Dubai International Humanitarian Aid and Development Conference and Exhibition (DIHAD) have joined hands for the first time to offer pupils opportunities to volunteer their services.

DIHAD opens at the Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre on Tuesday.

The Schools Agency, an agency at the Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA) and DIHAD has collaborated to form the Humanitarian Youth Forum Programme.

Under this programme, select non-governmental organisations (NGOs) registered at Dubai Humanitarian City and enlisted with DIHAD can enroll their pupils for voluntary work. There will be registration tables at the venue where pupils can sign up with their chosen NGO.

Fatima Al Merri, CEO of the Dubai Schools Agency, said, "High school pupils will now have easy and ready access for volunteering opportunities. The Schools Agency supports this programme as it will give pupils an opportunity to understand the humanitarian landscape and build a relationship with the NGOs. It will also encourage pupils to take up social sciences as a career path."

Referring to Dubai Cares - launched in September 2007 by His Highness Shaikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, Al Merri said: "We see this programme as a natural successor to Dubai Cares, when for the first time pupils were able to make a connection with those less fortunate than themselves."

Registration: Listed organisations

DIHAD opens today at DICEC in Hall 5. Registration tables have been provided where NGO representatives and pupils can meet. The NGOs who have enlisted with DIHAD are: