DUBAI // A group of 20 pupils collected old school bags, shoes, water bottles, lunch boxes and stationery to donate to less well-off children across the UAE.
The Indian children, aged 11 to 16, are from Dubai, Sharjah and Ajman. They collected 60 school bags, which they filled with stationery and other school essentials.
“I had a few extra school bags in good condition which I thought will be useful to the less privileged children,” said 11-year-old Venkatesan Sundar, a Grade 7 pupil at Delhi Private School in Sharjah. Venkatesan donated two bags.
“I am happy these bags will be put to use, instead of lying in my home.”
Sreelakshmi, 15, a Grade 9 pupil at Our Own English School in Sharjah, donated four bags. “Many kids throw their used school bags away when they start a new academic year but there are many kids less fortunate than us,” she said. “Sharing things is the most beautiful thing.”
Vismaya Sanilkumar, 14, also a pupil at Our Own English School, said: “Before throwing away useful items we should have a think and contribute them to charity.”
Vismaya’s mother, Dr Vandana Sanilkumar, said the donations dispelled the stereotype that expatriate children were spoiled and uncaring.
“It is the duty of parents to teach their children how to value things, even if it is a small pencil,” she said. “There are millions of children who cannot study because they can’t afford the small things.
“Buy a new bag for your child for the new academic year but tell them how to utilise the things already in the cupboard.”
akhaishgi@thenational.ae
