Volunteers donate time to spruce up schools

Dubai: Dubai Cares, a charitable establishment that aims to provide access to quality primary education in developing countries, was joined by over 150 volunteers yesterday to launch Volunteer Emirates at Manar Al Eman School in Ajman.

The volunteers were on hand to renovate the school, painting 22 classrooms, installing brand new playground equipment and landscaping the premises.

Volunteer Emirates is the second in a series of programs introduced by Dubai Cares as part of its Volunteer Campaign, launched on November 2, and aims to instil a sense of responsibility among the people of Dubai by encouraging them to dedicate their time, effort and skills to help those in need.

"Volunteer Emirates is designed to attract people of all ages and various backgrounds to contribute to bettering the lives of all throughout our community. The more we tap into the diversity of our people and communities, the richer our experience will become and the more we all, together, will benefit," said Reem Al Hashemi, Minister of State and Chairperson of Dubai Cares Board of Directors.

She added, "By renovating a school, volunteers are enriching a pupil's experience and providing outlets for children to enjoy themselves and their surroundings while they learn."

The programme is an opportunity for UAE residents to work hand-in-hand with pupils, teachers and parents to enrich the lives of pupils throughout the community by painting classrooms, renovating common areas, landscaping, and improving playgrounds at non-profit schools throughout the UAE.

Dubai Cares' Volunteer Campaign offers diverse volunteer opportunities to attract participation from all levels of the community, focusing on the benefits of volunteering in line with the charitable establishment's continuous commitment to philanthropic values.