Empower children to skills and an education

Dubai Cares appeals for donations to help youngsters in developing countries achieve a brighter, more secure future.

Dubai Cares is already helping Afghanistan’s children to recover from war through its primary education programmes. Courtesy Dubai Cares

DUBAI // A nationwide fundraising campaign has been launched to empower children in poor countries by giving them access to education and skills training.

We Can Teach Each Other Ramadan by Dubai Cares aims to raise money from companies and individuals to encourage the talents of children in the developing world.

It will provide funds for schools, training teachers and clean drinking water, as well as more practical uses.

Tariq Al Gurg, chief executive officer of Dubai Cares, said the campaign promoted a “powerful message”. “Children have a natural inclination to learn and we have a responsibility to develop that,” he said.

“Education offers children the tools to grow these skills and emerge as successful creators, innovators or scientists who can facilitate strong change.”

Mr Al Gurg said the campaign had already received strong support from the community, but he asked more people to contribute.

Retailers are also getting behind the campaign by offering shoppers ways to contribute.

The Landmark Group’s brands, which include shops such as Splash, Home Centre, Lifestyle and Centrepoint, are offering shoppers the option of adding a Dh5 donation to their bills.

For every Dh100 and Dh250 gift card sold at Centrepoint during Ramadan, it will donate Dh1 or Dh2 to Dubai Cares.

The Chalhoub Group is raising funds through the sale of “Gift of Giving” pins, with proceeds donated to the charity.

Shoppers can also donate at any Choithrams supermarket by buying a product with a red sticker, which will automatically direct a percentage of the sale price to Dubai Cares.

Hotels are also getting involved, with the Jumeirah Group offering a Dh10 donation for any room booked over Ramadan at its Dubai hotels, including the Burj Al Arab, Jumeirah Beach Hotel and Jumeirah Emirates Towers.

The At The Top observation deck of the Burj Khalifa will donate Dh1 towards the campaign for every souvenir bought, while food chain Nandos is donating 100 per cent of the proceeds from the sale of its All Together Now Platters.

Oasis Water has also said that for every bottle of water bought in Ramadan, it will provide clean water to pupils in developing countries.

A spokesman for the campaign said its aim was to harness “the potential talent of these children towards building a prosperous and productive future for all”.

It was a “first-of-a-kind skill exchange between children in impoverished communities and school-going children from around the world”.

Residents can contribute by texting the word "donation" to 9030, 9090, 9300, 9600 and 9900 to donate Dh30, Dh90, Dh300, Dh600 or Dh900. Donations can also be made at dubaicares.ae