Dubai: Dubai Cares, part of Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Initiatives, on Saturday announced it will be conducting 10 editions of its popular local volunteering initiative, Volunteer Emirates, in collaboration with Senses Residential and Day Care Centre for Special Needs in Dubai.
The first edition took place on Saturday at the centre, which looks after children and young adults with severe physical and learning difficulties, with the participation of 20 volunteers.
The volunteers engaged with the students through storytelling, sports activities, games and assisting the teachers within the classroom. The initiative also covered the provision of essential equipment and medical support.
Abdullah Ahmad Al Shehi, COO at Dubai Cares, said: “In line with the Year of Zayed 2018 and with our mission of providing inclusive education, this edition of Volunteer Emirates aims to help children of determination in the UAE overcome the barriers that prevent them from accessing equal learning opportunities. It is critical that children and young people of determination are not left behind.”
He added: “We are sincerely grateful to the volunteers who joined us today and will be joining us in the upcoming nine editions. Their presence and interaction with children at the Senses Residential and Day Care for Special Needs Centre will have a big impact on them emotionally and academically.”
Khowla Al Sayegh, vice-executive manager at Senses Residential and Day Care Centre, said: “We thank Dubai Cares once again for its continued support of children of determination. We are happy to see the smiles on the children’s faces after a fun day of engaging with the volunteers.”
Livigno Gioffredi, one of the participating volunteers, said: “I am glad to be part of a fun and uplifting volunteering experience. The joy in the children’s faces at the end of the day said it all, and I realised what a great difference each of us can make in a child’s life, even through a small act.”
Another volunteer, Imran Muhammad Arshad, said: “The connections we made with the children today blew me away. Although we came here with the goal of making a difference in their lives, I am humbled by the impact they have had on me — it is a feeling I will never forget!”
