Dubai World supports unique charity event for underprivileged children

The fun-filled event March 30 held at the Zaabeel Park was organised to encourage greater social integration for underprivileged children into society was packed with a host of activities such as kite flying, painting, music and henna designing.

At a function attended by Sheikh Mansoor bin Mohammed bin Rashid al Maktoum to mark the event, the Foundation presented a plaque to Dubai World in recognition of the support it received from the group as well as its business units such as DP World, Jafza and Nakheel.

Commenting on the occasion, Sultan Ahmed Bin Sulayem, Chairman, Dubai World, said: 'Dubai World is a staunch supporter of socially relevant activities such as 'Qun Mayee'. The Awqaf and Minor Affairs Foundation is doing a commendable job in promoting self-belief and confidence among children, especially those from the underprivileged segments of society, which are an often invisible segment of our population. Supporting such noble causes is integral to the corporate social responsibility policies pursued by Dubai World.

'Children are the future of our nation and it is important to cultivate their sense of participation irrespective of their social backgrounds. We wish them well in this effort.'

'Qun Mayee 2007' featured an opera created by students of the foundation, an 'Ideal Mother' competition, a special show depicting traditional Emarati life, and a play titled 'A Stroke of Luck' in which children from the foundation and other institutions acted.

Said Mohammed Sharaf, CEO, DP World, said: 'We at DP World take our social responsibility towards the people of the UAE very seriously and the support we have extended to the Qun Mayee campaign reflects this belief. Children are the leaders of tomorrow and we are very happy to be a part of this campaign that seeks to realise the potential of each and every one.'

Salma Hareb, CEO, Jafza and Economic Zones World, said: 'We congratulate the Awqaf and the Minor Affairs Foundation for launching the Qun Mayee initiative. Social campaigns such as these instill self-confidence amongst the youth of the nation and help in developing their interpersonal skills. Jafza always remains committed to greater social integration of the youth and wishes the campaign great success.'

The 'Qun Mayee' concept aims to enhance the confidence levels of underprivileged children between the ages of 3 and 17, who may have either lost their parents or are socially deprived due to other reasons.

It aims to instill a greater sense of self worth in these children by encouraging them to develop vocational and recreational skills which would enable them to participate proactively in society.