Dubai, UAE, April 7, 2008 – Dubai’s high school students are to get the chance to work as volunteers with non-governmental organizations (NGOs) in Dubai Humanitarian City.
Dubai Schools Agency and the Dubai International Humanitarian Aid and Development Conference and Exhibition (DIHAD) have joined forces for the first time to offer students opportunities for volunteering.
DIHAD opens at the Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre tomorrow (April 8). The Schools Agency, an agency of the Knowledge and Human Development Authority, and DIHAD have collaborated to form the Humanitarian Youth Forum Programme.
Under this programme, select NGOs registered at Dubai Humanitarian City and enlisted with DIHAD can enrol students for voluntary work. There will be registration tables at the venue where students can sign up with their chosen NGO.
Fatma Al Marri, CEO of the Dubai Schools Agency, said, “High school students will now have easy and ready access to volunteering opportunities. The Schools Agency supports this programme as it will give students an opportunity to understand the humanitarian landscape and build a relationship with the NGOs. It will also encourage students to take up social sciences as a career path.”
Referring to Dubai Cares - launched in September 2007 by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the United Arab Emirates and Ruler of Dubai, with the goal of educating one million children in poor countries - Ms Al Marri said: “We see this programme as a natural successor to Dubai Cares, when for the first time pupils were able to make a connection with those less fortunate than themselves. Volunteering to work further with those in need is a good next step.”
Mr. Abdul Salam Al Madani; president of INDEX holding; the organizer of DIHAD said, “Being able to tap into the student community for humanitarian work is crucial. Today’s students are tomorrow’s citizens who will be part of the social fabric of the country. They must have a stake in the social and humanitarian aspects of their country from a young age.”
KHDA’s Schools Agency will receive regular updates from the NGOs and DIHAD on the status of the students, their progress and the programme in general. This will feed into KHDA’s policy and planning department to ensure future growth, direction and quality of education and learning in Dubai.
More follows
For the box:
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DIHAD opens today at DICEC in Hall 5.
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Registration tables have been provided where the NGOs’ representatives and students can meet
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The NGOs who have enlisted with DIHAD are
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Al Noor Training Centre for Children with Special Needs
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United Nations World Food Programme (WFP)
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International Association for Human Values (IAHV)
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UAE Red Crescent
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Shaukat Khanum Memorial Trust
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UAE Genetic Diseases Association
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Waqf Foundation, Holland
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International Humanitarian City (IHC)
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It is mandatory for students to have parental consent (on the form) before they proceed to volunteer with the NGOs.
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The programme is on from 12.00pm-3.00pm on Tuesday April 8 and from 10.00am-3.00pm on Wednesday and Thursday (April 9 and 10). Entrance to the exhibition is free for students.