• 13 December 2014

Dubai Cares today (December 13, 2014) concluded a very successful Volunteer Emirates 2014, bringing together 100 volunteers to transform the learning environment of the Obay Bin Kaab school in Ras Al Khaimah. The volunteers carried out many activities including painting murals across the school campus as well as assembling new playground toys. They also enhanced the school's facilities by building a shade roof-top to protect the students from the sun, installing soft tiles around the playground to avoid injuries during play time and revamping the computer science facilities with new desks, chairs and computers. The fourth and final edition of Volunteer Emirates 2014 was sponsored by the Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA).

Speaking about the impact of the volunteers' efforts, Tariq Al Gurg, Chief Executive Officer of Dubai Cares said: "The students of the Obay Bin Kaab school will benefit from the upgraded resources and facilities and enjoy the splash of color we have infused into the school environment. Through our efforts, we have made imagination and innovation an organic part of the environment, be it in the artistic elements of the mural or the adventurous spirit of the playground. As an organization that works in promoting a holistic view of education in developing countries, Dubai Cares understands the role schools play as an incubator of creative ideas as well as an instrument of personal development. Our initiatives not only address a fundamental philanthropic cause, but also help local organization across the UAE achieve their CSR objectives. We are grateful to Dubai Electricity and Water Authority for extending their support to us as part of their CSR strategy. I would like to also thank the volunteers who have tirelessly worked with us to enhance the learning environment for the students at the Obay Bin Kaab school in Ras Al Khaimah."

HE Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, MD & CEO of DEWA said: "In line with its vision to become a sustainable world class utility, and as part of our corporate social responsibility strategy, Dubai Electricity and Water Authority's strategy instils the values of philanthropy, volunteerism, and solidarity. This is done by launching various activities and programs that raise awareness among community members and enhance their interaction and solidarity. DEWA is committed to its corporate social responsibility to achieve the social development of Dubai. We support and launch different activities and programs to achieve the happiness and prosperity of a cohesive society that fulfils the aspirations of our wise leadership. We appreciate the efforts of the Volunteer Emirates initiative, which was launched by Dubai Cares to mobilize the community to improve the learning environment in non-profit schools. DEWA is committed to partner in projects that improve the learning environment for generations to come."

In addition to the refurbishment at Obay Bin Kaab school, Dubai Cares conducted three other Volunteer Emirates initiatives in 2014; at the Al Bustan School in Ras Al Khaimah, the 32-year old Gulf Model School in Dubai and the National Charity School in Dubai.

Volunteer Emirates is one of the main pillars of Dubai Cares community engagement initiatives, encouraging UAE residents to donate their time toward enhancing the educational experience of students in non-profit school across the country. Volunteer Emirates 2015 will kick off in the second quarter of 2015 with refurbishment activities scheduled for a number of schools in the UAE. Residents of the UAE who are interested in participating can register online at www.dubaicares.ae

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