Dubai: The humanitarian efforts and initiatives and the contributions to the Dubai Cares campaign by His Highness Shaikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, has come in for wholesome praise from various quarters.
This year's Dubai Cares initiative in volunteerism has added a new dimension to the cultural identity of the UAE, especially in view of the diverse makeup of its integrated communities.
This is also important for the nurturing of children's reading skills, said the officials concerned when contacted by Gulf News.
Dr Hanif Hassan, Minister of Education, told Gulf News: "History will always highlight the great contributions of visionary leaders like His Highness Shaikh Mohammad. It is what makes every UAE national proud of his country - on seeing their leaders provide for their society and the wider global communities in need. The first phase of his initiative helped four million children worldwide and saw people of his own nation take part, hand-in-hand, in community work."
Although reading one million books in two weeks is a big challenges, officials believe this target can be achieved with determination, particularly when it is driven by a noble cause like Dubai Cares.
Dr Abdullah Al Karam, Chairman of the Board of Directors and Director General of Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA), said: "Reading is at the root of everything. Storytelling has always been a way of passing on information from generation to generation. Reading helps us develop our intellect and it feeds our imagination. Growing up with a love for books and reading is one of the greatest gifts a parent can hand on to the child. The Million Books Challenge is a great way for children in Dubai to focus on their reading skills and we hope our children will have for two weeks, reading everything they love."
Fund raising
Pupils from Grades 8, 9 and 10 from the Uptown High School were determined to raise funds to help sick children from Palestine get treated in Dubai.
Thirty students pledged their pocket money, along with donations from friends and family - with a total of Dh19,000 - to help 15 Palestinian children receive specialised treatment in Dubai hospitals.
In addition to the fundraising, 30 pupils challenged themselves by fasting for 24 hours, to experience the hardships that some children go through.
"Eating food after fasting for 24 hours has made me change. I realised how privileged I am. I learned how hard it is to look for food. There are children that have no food for weeks and go to bed hungry. One dirham makes a difference to every child. So I promised myself to make a difference to the people who are starving by not wasting food," explained Hakam Abdul Qader, a grade nine pupil.
Rana Said, the community and volunteer liaison from Palestinian Children's Relief Fund (PCRF), said: "I'm so impressed by how the children really got behind this project and the commitment they showed. The money they raise is going to make a real difference to the lives of Palestinian children."
By Siham Al Najami, Staff Reporter