Volunteer Emirates opportunities begins in one week

Part of Dubai Cares' Volunteer Campaign, launched under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, Volunteer Emirates kicks off on 15 November, 2008 to revamp highly deserving non-profit schools throughout the UAE.

"Volunteer Emirates is Dubai Cares' invitation to members of its own community to reach out and enrich the lives of children and students here at home,"

said Her Excellency Reem Al Hashimy, Chairperson of Dubai Cares Board of Directors.

"By helping here at home, we can directly and personally feel the impact of our effort and our contribution to our own community. These efforts are part of a greater, common experience, which will only serve to enrich the lives of our children and deepen individuals' sense of community."

UAE residents are being asked to devote their time, energy, passion and skills to help enrich the lives of students throughout the community by painting classrooms and creating murals, renovating common areas, landscaping, and playground construction. Volunteers can register online (www.dubaicares.ae) beginning today to guarantee their spot ahead of the official opening on 15 November.

Dubai Cares' Volunteer Campaign offers diverse volunteer opportunities to attract participation from all levels of the community, focusing on the benefits of volunteering in line with the charitable establishment's continuous commitment to philanthropic values.

Dubai Cares is now considered the largest charitable establishment, solely devoted to improving primary education around the world. Through partnerships with international aid agencies, Dubai Cares is actively addressing the educational needs of more than 4 million children around the world.

Dubai Cares has prioritized its Phase One grants to 12 countries that experience the highest gap in primary education. Earlier this year, Dubai Cares listed the beneficiary countries - Bangladesh, Bosnia, Chad, Comoros Islands, Djibouti, Maldives, Mauritania, Niger, Pakistan, Occupied Palestinian territories, Sudan, and Yemen, and Palestinian refugees (in Lebanon and Jordan).