Bill Gates commends Dubai Cares work in Ghana ahead of water bottle auction

Dubai: The countdown to the world’s first online auction for an ordinary bottle of natural water began yesterday.

All proceeds will go towards providing children in developing countries access to primary education.

As part of the “Thank You” campaign launched by Dubai Cares, the UAE’s philanthropic organisation and Masafi, the leading producer of pure natural water in the region, a 1.5 litre Masafi water bottle will be auctioned to become possibly the most expensive bottle of water in the world.

The campaign which will begin on April 23 and will run until June 30 will invite people to logon to www.mostpreciouswater.com in order to bid for the bottle or simply donate for a good cause.

The reason why water was chosen as the subject of the auction was due to the many related issues that children in developing countries face said Tariq Al Gurg Chief Executive Officer of Dubai Cares.

“Lack of access to clean water is one of the crucial factors that limit children’s access to education. Globally an estimated 2000 children under the age of five die everyday from diseases like diarrhoea and some 1800 deaths are linked to water sanitation and hygiene,” added Al Gurg.

Al Gurg explained when children are taught about effective hygiene practices through programmes like the Dubai Care’s ‘Wash-in-School’ programmes, they take the lessons learned to their family and eventually transform their communities.

“This ultimately reduces the spread of disease, improve enrolment and attendance and thereby improve their academic achievements,” he added.

As part of the “Thank You” campaign a percentage of the sold Masafi bottles carrying the message “ On behalf of all the children you’re helping, thank you”, will go towards providing children access to education revealed Reginald Randall, CEO of Masafi.

“We are privileged to be part of this noble cause in supporting primary education in developing countries,” added Randall.

Dubai cares was established in September 2007 by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the United Arab Emirates and ruler of Dubai.

Due to Dubai Cares global efforts it has been recognised by leading international figures, recently including Bill Gates who has commended via Twitter the organisation’s nutrition and educational charity work in Ghana.

The organisation which aims to improve children’s access to quality primary education in developing countries is currently reaching seven million children in 28 developing countries.