Abu Dhabi: Thanks to the generosity of Gulf News readers, more than Dh30,000 of unpaid school fees were settled for a struggling family in Abu Dhabi in just a week. The public support came after Gulf News reported the emotional pleas of a mother of four last week who had not been able to pay two of her daughters’ school fees, one of whom, Ayesha, was in her final year in the school.
Although Ayesha has an average of over 95 per cent marks and is the top student in her class, she would not have been able to continue her studies at university if she did not receive her final year certificate, which would have been withheld if her school fee account was not settled.
At one point the family even feared that Ayesha would not be allowed to take her final exams until the fees were paid.
Ayesha’s mother, Umm Mohammad, said she and her entire family were overwhelmed and thankful beyond words could express at people’s generosity who got in touch with her from around the UAE and even abroad.
“I knew there were good people in this world but I never expected this kind of support,” she said.
She said people from all walks of life, different countries, Arabs and none-Arabs, Muslims and none-Muslims, contacted her with one purpose, help her and her family.
“They didn’t know me, they didn’t know my daughters, they didn’t know my family but they said they wanted to help. And they all spoke with me so respectfully, I really felt like I was speaking with my family members,” she said with tears in her eyes.
“The people who helped me, I don’t have words for them, they are more than good. I want to tell them, you have made my life different. I think of people differently now,” she said before bursting into tears.
Umm Mohammad and her husband’s financial problems began about a year ago which resulted in the family of six moving into a small one bedroom apartment with no cash to spare. Despite the family’s uncomfortable living situation, Ayesha maintained her high average in school and repeatedly won awards for her outstanding performances.
Gulf News readers from Bahrain contacted Umm Mohammad and offered to help the family. By May 5 the outstanding balance of Dh31,250 had been settled with her daughters’ schools.
“I cannot say how I feel right now. I am more than happy. These people (who have helped the family) have changed my life,” said Umm Mohammad.
“Ayesha was in tears when I told her about people’s gesture. She said Mama I cannot believe there are people like this in this world,” Umm Mohammad added.
Ayesha is now trying to find a suitable and affordable university to continue with her studies.
Umm Mohammad said she will be donating blood this week, the only thing she said she has to give, as her way of helping others.
*Names of people in the story have been changed to protect their identities.
If you still want to help the family, please contact Gulf New Readers Desk.
readers@gulfnews.com
