Dubai: Dubai Cares, part of the Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Initiatives (MBRGI), launched its Students for Students initiative — mobilising tens of thousands of students from 14 Dubai schools to fundraise and volunteer for underprivileged children's education across the UAE.
How 14 Schools Raised Over AED 700,000
During the first phase of the campaign, students at 14 participating schools organised spring fairs, bake sales, and games to raise funds for the cause. Their collective efforts generated over AED 700,000, which Dubai Cares used to procure school bags and stationery for children in need. Teachers, parents, and family members joined students at every step, reinforcing the community spirit behind the drive.
3,573 Volunteers Pack 9,000 School Kits
The second phase brought students back together for a dedicated volunteer day held across participating schools from 10 to 25 June. A total of 3,573 student volunteers assembled 9,000 school kits, each containing a school bag and essential stationery items.
"We are incredibly grateful and deeply impressed by the spirit demonstrated by the community," said Abdulla Ahmed Alshehhi, Chief Operating Officer at Dubai Cares.
Kits Donated to UAE Charity Schools
Once assembled, the kits were distributed by Dubai Cares to partner organisations before the start of the new academic year. Beneficiary entities included:
- Al Etihad Charity Foundation - Al Ihsan Charity Association - Hemaya Schools - National Charity Schools
The initiative underscores the Students for Students model — where children who have previously benefited from Dubai Cares' educational support now advocate for their peers, building empathy and a sense of shared responsibility across Dubai's school community.
A Model of Peer-to-Peer Education Advocacy
The Students for Students programme reflects Dubai Cares' broader mission to ensure quality education for every child, regardless of background. By placing students at the centre of both fundraising and volunteering, the initiative transforms abstract charitable giving into a hands-on lesson in civic responsibility.
The 14 schools that took part in phase one included Al Ittihad Private School – Al Mamzar, Collegiate International School, Dubai International Academy (Al Barsha and Emirates Hills campuses), GEMS Legacy School, GEMS Modern Academy, Jumeirah College, Jumeirah Primary School, Nord Anglia International School Dubai, Raffles International School, Raffles World Academy, Safa Community School, The Indian International School, and The Millennium School.
