Funding from the Emirates Red Crescent has allowed eight schools in Eastern Samar in the Philippines to reopen after being destroyed by Typhoon Haiyan two years ago.
According to Al Ittihad, The National's Arabic-language sister publication, the schools were rebuilt at a cost of Dh7m to accommodate 2,090 students. The rehabilitation work included 33 classrooms, 32 health facilities, 7 indoor playgrounds and 3 auditoriums. Outer fences were also built for six of the schools and all the classrooms have been fully equipped.
In total, 18 schools have been rebuilt following the typhoon at a total cost of Dh27m to accommodate 9,828 students in 102 classrooms, 15 indoor playgrounds, 12 auditoriums in addition to health facilities and computer labs.
The inauguration was celebrated at San Antonio High School where folkloric dances were held and the vice-governor of Eastern Samar gave a speech thanking the UAE and the ERC for generously allocating 10 million dollars to rebuild the Philippines.
newsdesk@thenational.ae
The specs: 2018 Mercedes-Benz GLA
Price, base / as tested Dh150,900 / Dh173,600
Engine 2.0L inline four-cylinder
Transmission Seven-speed automatic
Power 211hp @ 5,500rpm
Torque 350Nm @ 1,200rpm
Fuel economy, combined 6.4L / 100km
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Install an air filter in your home.
Close your windows and turn on the AC.
Shower or bath after being outside.
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The Melbourne Mercer Global Pension Index
The Melbourne Mercer Global Pension Index
Mazen Abukhater, principal and actuary at global consultancy Mercer, Middle East, says the company’s Melbourne Mercer Global Pension Index - which benchmarks 34 pension schemes across the globe to assess their adequacy, sustainability and integrity - included Saudi Arabia for the first time this year to offer a glimpse into the region.
The index highlighted fundamental issues for all 34 countries, such as a rapid ageing population and a low growth / low interest environment putting pressure on expected returns. It also highlighted the increasing popularity around the world of defined contribution schemes.
“Average life expectancy has been increasing by about three years every 10 years. Someone born in 1947 is expected to live until 85 whereas someone born in 2007 is expected to live to 103,” Mr Abukhater told the Mena Pensions Conference.
“Are our systems equipped to handle these kind of life expectancies in the future? If so many people retire at 60, they are going to be in retirement for 43 years – so we need to adapt our retirement age to our changing life expectancy.”
Saudi Arabia came in the middle of Mercer’s ranking with a score of 58.9. The report said the country's index could be raised by improving the minimum level of support for the poorest aged individuals and increasing the labour force participation rate at older ages as life expectancies rise.
Mr Abukhater said the challenges of an ageing population, increased life expectancy and some individuals relying solely on their government for financial support in their retirement years will put the system under strain.
“To relieve that pressure, governments need to consider whether it is time to switch to a defined contribution scheme so that individuals can supplement their own future with the help of government support,” he said.
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6pm Dubai Trophy – Conditions(TB) $100,000 (Turf) 1,200m
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