Look: UAE residents help build school in Nepal village to empower children

Dubai: A group of 15 UAE residents is helping build a school in a remote village in the far-western region of Nepal.

Working at Ducab, these employees traded their office attire for construction gear, dug the ground, and laid the foundation alongside local labourers and villagers to change the future of children in Amrahiya.

The school’s construction, which started in December 2024, is expected to be completed by April and will address the challenges of limited educational opportunities, especially for girls. Once built, the new facility, with grades up to eighth, will serve 200 children. The classrooms will be equipped with modern furniture and sanitation facilities.

The initiative, in collaboration with Dubai Cares to support its ‘Adopt a School’ campaign, is part of the Ducab Ducare programme. The company has also committed to a two-year adult literacy programme, empowering older community members to read and write.

“Education is a basic right that every child and adult deserve. Through our partnership with Dubai Cares, we’re helping build a child’s life,” said Maitha Shuaib, executive director of corporate communications in Ducab, who is also leading the Ducab Ducare initiative.

Personal experience

Asma Alfalasi, CSR senior officer, who is part of leading the campaign, reflected on her personal experience, noted: “For a person who has undergone such an experience for the first time, with the many different overwhelming feelings that one might endure, and to realise that we can overcome the challenges we have faced was such an eye-opening reflection of our capabilities.”

Shama AlMarzooqi, operational excellence engineer and part of the volunteer team, pointed out that a school is more than just a building as it becomes a foundation for dreams, opportunities, and future.

“Seeing the hope in the eyes of the children here as we build this school is a reminder of how much a single place of learning can transform lives,” Shama said.

Facing challenges

It was a life-changing experience for the employees, with the journey to Amrahiya itself being a difficult one. Navigating rugged terrain, adjusting to bitter cold weather, and working long hours were just a few of the challenges they faced. Additionally, they engaged with the local community, learning about their culture and exchanging stories.

“Their warmth and gratitude were unlike anything else,” said Dhiraj Sinha, VP financial planning and analysis, and another volunteer on the job. “They welcomed us like family, which made this experience even more meaningful.”

Impact on community

The project’s completion in the UAE’s ‘Year of Community’ will mark a significant milestone for the people of Amrahiya. This is among several programmes undertaken by the company, including planting 1,000 trees across its facilities, as part of UAE’s ‘Plant the Emirates’ initiative, and collaborating with the Mohammed Bin Rashid Housing Establishment to build 25 homes for people of determination and elderly citizens.