Dubai, United Arab Emirates – March 12th, 2019: Dubai Cares, part of Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Initiatives, has announced that Dubai-based The Millennium School, a GEMS school, has raised AED 333,996 towards supporting the organization’s ‘Adopt a School’ initiative. The amount, collected over an entire year through student-led activities within the school, will contribute to supporting the construction of 2 schools in Nepal and Cambodia and supplying these schools with books, gender specific latrines as well as conducting teacher training and adult literacy programs, among other activities. 

 

The ‘Adopt a School’ initiative in Nepal includes the construction of a three-classroom school over a year, and 18 months of adult education and literacy classes. It is expected to directly benefit 90 students, 3 teachers and 60 women, and indirectly benefit 300 adults, teachers and officials. The initiative in Cambodia includes the construction of a four-classroom school over 3 to 6 months, in addition to an 18-month adult education and literacy program. It is set to directly benefit 200 children of primary and secondary school-age (of which 50% will be girls), at least 2 teachers and additional native teachers, and indirectly benefit the wider village community, which will have access to the school facilities for literacy and numeracy courses.

 

Commenting on the successful partnership with the school, Tariq Al Gurg, Chief Executive Officer at Dubai Cares, said: “We are very grateful to The Millennium School for its generous contribution and its continuous commitment to Dubai Cares and the cause we both are equally committed to. The success of this initiative stems from the overwhelming enthusiasm and generosity of the students, parents and staff across an entire year. I have been privileged to engage with the students and witness their sheer energy and passion, and this is something I personally as well as this nation truly treasure. I am also glad to see how students were able to come up with creative and effective methods to raise vital funds in support of Dubai Cares’ global education programs. This initiative also reflects the dynamism and selflessness of the UAE community, and underscores the public confidence in our programs.”

 

All students, teachers and staff members have participated in fund-raising activities throughout the year, especially during the school’s Winter Carnival, held in partnership with Dubai Cares, which unites the school community towards charity in a fun and highly expected yearly event. 

 

The Millennium School had already raised funds in 2017 for the Dubai Cares initiative, contributing to the construction of three schools in Senegal, Nepal and Malawi. 

 

Ambika Gulati, Principal of The Millennium School, added: “We are proud to provide an environment that continuously nurtures mindful global citizens. Year after year, we place increased importance on fundraising events such as the Winter Carnival, Book Sale and Souq Day, because they effectively spread awareness among our students about the needs of less fortunate children and instill in them the spirit of giving through donations or entrepreneurship. They encourage our entire school community of governors, parents, students, faculty and support staff to come together and truly bring our school motto of “We Choose to Care” to life. Our continued partnership with Dubai Cares under the ‘Adopt-a-School’ initiative has been a rewarding experience as it gives us a greater sense of purpose and provides an excellent platform to extend our support to a wider global community.”