More than 130 people carried out a range of repairs and enhancements to Gulf Model School as part of the second edition of the Volunteer Emirates 2014 drive, organised by Dubai Cares on Saturday.

 

The second edition involved volunteers from Dubai Cares, Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (Dewa), corporate staff and individuals from the wider community.

 

Volunteer Emirates is part of a series of local initiatives by Dubai Cares that offer residents opportunities to give back to their community.

 

Its second edition for 2014 was sponsored by Dewa.

 

On Saturday, volunteers repaired furniture, painted doors and hallways, assembled computers, equipped the library with books and landscaped the premises with plants donated by Dubai Desert Group.

 

They also prepared the chemistry lab with scientific equipment and set up a projector, among other tasks.

 

Dubai Cares CEO Tareq Al Gurg said: “Volunteer Emirates reflects our work in developing countries — increasing access to quality primary education and creating the ideal learning environment for children. It is one of the key pillars through which we engage our local community here in the UAE, and we are always impressed by the strong presence and support we receive from the public.”

 

Saeed Al Tayer, CEO and managing director of Dewa, added: “In line with our vision to become a sustainable world-class utility, Dewa places social responsibility on top of its priorities, supporting various social and philanthropic initiatives and activities within the UAE.”

The Indian curriculum school had not undergone much maintenance since its construction in 1982, said school chairman A. Najeeth.

 

“We are extremely grateful to Dubai Cares for asking volunteers to come to our school to boost the facility and donate useful tools including computers, lab equipment and educational facilities for our library. This new environment has boosted the children’s morale and creativity, they enjoy spending more time at school,” Najeeth added.

 

The next edition of Volunteer Emirates 2014 is scheduled to take place in the last quarter of this year. UAE residents interested in participating in the third edition can register online at www.dubaicares.ae

Dubai Cares, a UAE-based philanthropic organisation, was launched in September 2007 by His Highness Shaikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice- President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, to improve children’s access to primary education in developing countries.

 

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