Dubai: GEMS Our Own English High School Dubai has raised Dh500,000 for Dubai Cares, part of Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Initiatives.
All funds raised will go towards Dubai Cares’ Education in Emergencies programmes to support children affected by conflict, natural disasters and epidemics.
At a ceremony held at the school auditorium recently, the cheque was presented by school officials, including the principal, students and teaching staff, to Dubai Cares representatives.
As part of a series of philanthropic activities inspired by the Year of Zayed, as well as to celebrate the school’s Golden Jubilee year, the school put in their “best efforts” to raise funds for a worthy cause.
The school started with selling booklets worth Dh10 to collect donations for Dubai Cares. On sharing this information, the school community came together to drive the programme forward. Three students who sold the maximum number of booklets (Rhea Bhatia of Grade 10 with 21 booklets; Michelle Joshua of Grade 10 with 20 booklets; and Hessa of Grade 8 with 12 booklets) were felicitated, along with others.
Amal Al Redha, director of fund-raising at Dubai Cares, said: “It’s overwhelming to see UAE young minds come together to help their underprivileged fellow students flourish in their educational journey. As GEMS Our Own English High School Dubai is celebrating its golden jubilee in the Year of Zayed, it is great to witness the tremendous spirit of giving and enthusiasm among all students which is a true affirmation that the values of empathy, compassion and generosity are deeply rooted in the UAE community. We would like to thank the students, parents, teachers and school management for their efforts which will generate a long lasting impact in the lives of children who aren’t as fortunate as all of us.”
School principal Thomas Mathew said: “I am extremely delighted to share that in honour of the Year of Zayed, the students have generated an impressive half a million dirhams for Dubai Cares’ Education in Emergencies programmes. I congratulate the students on this great initiative to celebrate the Golden Jubilee of the school and what is noteworthy is that they have contributed voluntarily without any compulsion from teachers.”
