DUBAI // Three Indian expatriates who were moved by the plight of children in the Philippines have banded together to buy 400 pairs of flip-flops for them.
After reading about a project started by the University of the Philippines Alumni Association in the UAE (UPAA-UAE) to collect supplies for two schools in one of the poorest parts of the country, the men contacted the group to ask what was needed most.
They then pooled several hundred dirhams to buy the items.
"It doesn't matter if we're helping someone from Africa, the Philippines or India," said Reggie D'Souza, 45, a senior finance executive. "Reading about the plight of the children made me realise how privileged we are here in the UAE."
The Lapis, Papel, Aklat Atbp (Pencils, Paper, Books etc) project was launched to help 400 pupils at the Mataguisi Elementary School and the Mataguisi Comprehensive National High School in Pudtol, about 500km north of Baguio City. The school term starts in June.
Galo Damon Calizo, the head of the special projects committee of UPAA-UAE, said most of the children's families could not afford to buy shoes, let alone books. "Many are forced to walk barefoot to school," he said.
Mr D'Souza and his two co-workers - Ravinder Bhandari, 57, and Pradeep Warrier, 42 - bought the rubber footwear from a wholesale market. Mr D'Souza plans to add about 50 books to the shipment.
The Mataguisi Elementary School does not have electricity, relying on generators run by crude oil, fuelled with contributions from parents. Anyone who wants to donate to the project can contact Mr Calizo at 050 841 9880 or by e-mail at lapispapelatbp@yahoo.com.
@Email:rruiz@thenational.ae
Wydad 2 Urawa 3
Wydad Nahiri 21’, Hajhouj 90'
Urawa Antonio 18’, 60’, Kashiwagi 26’
THREE POSSIBLE REPLACEMENTS
Khalfan Mubarak
The Al Jazira playmaker has for some time been tipped for stardom within UAE football, with Quique Sanchez Flores, his former manager at Al Ahli, once labelling him a “genius”. He was only 17. Now 23, Mubarak has developed into a crafty supplier of chances, evidenced by his seven assists in six league matches this season. Still to display his class at international level, though.
Rayan Yaslam
The Al Ain attacking midfielder has become a regular starter for his club in the past 15 months. Yaslam, 23, is a tidy and intelligent player, technically proficient with an eye for opening up defences. Developed while alongside Abdulrahman in the Al Ain first-team and has progressed well since manager Zoran Mamic’s arrival. However, made his UAE debut only last December.
Ismail Matar
The Al Wahda forward is revered by teammates and a key contributor to the squad. At 35, his best days are behind him, but Matar is incredibly experienced and an example to his colleagues. His ability to cope with tournament football is a concern, though, despite Matar beginning the season well. Not a like-for-like replacement, although the system could be adjusted to suit.
Avengers: Endgame
Directors: Anthony Russo, Joe Russo
Starring: Robert Downey Jr, Chris Evans, Scarlett Johansson, Chris Hemsworth, Josh Brolin
4/5 stars
Overview
What: The Arab Women’s Sports Tournament is a biennial multisport event exclusively for Arab women athletes.
When: From Sunday, February 2, to Wednesday, February 12.
Where: At 13 different centres across Sharjah.
Disciplines: Athletics, archery, basketball, fencing, Karate, table tennis, shooting (rifle and pistol), show jumping and volleyball.
Participating countries: Algeria, Bahrain, Comoros, Egypt, Iraq, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Libya, Morocco, Oman, Palestine, Saudi Arabia, Sudan, Syria, Tunisia, Qatar and UAE.
The specs
AT4 Ultimate, as tested
Engine: 6.2-litre V8
Power: 420hp
Torque: 623Nm
Transmission: 10-speed automatic
Price: From Dh330,800 (Elevation: Dh236,400; AT4: Dh286,800; Denali: Dh345,800)
On sale: Now
