Dubai International Academy celebrates UN Day

Elementary School students from Dubai International Academy gave of their brilliant best to stage colourful performances dressed in national costumes, while Secondary School students conducted a series of "diplomatic" activities usually undertaken at the New York-based global headquarters of the United Nations.

The celebrations got off to a rousing start at the school hall with students of Year 6 singing an Arabic-English version of the humanitarian hit song "We Are The World", conducted by Arabic teacher Laith Mualla. It was a kaleidoscope of colours thereon as students from Years 1-4 staged exciting performances that drew loud applause from fellow students, parents, staff, and the guest of honour, Mr. Ivo Freijsen, Regional Head, UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (UN-OCHA) for Middle East, North Africa, Iran and Afghanistan.

Speaking at the event, Mr Freijsen, said it was an honour to be at the UN Day at DIA to celebrate together the 61st anniversary of the United Nations, and to think about what can be done to Stand Up Against Poverty and help fellow citizens "who are poor and less lucky than we are".

"We have heard so much about this problem it can't be still that bad?, you may think. Well, I am afraid that I have bad news for you as indeed there is still widespread poverty around the world, and the need to do something about it has not become less.

"Some 18 million people a year or 50,000 people per day die due to poverty-related reasons; every year nearly 11 million children die before they reach the age of 5; 1.1 billion people live on less than one US dollar or approximately just Dhs. 4 per day and 800 million people go to bed hungry every day, most of them are children like you."

He said the key steps that can be taken to fight poverty included fair trade between countries, economic growth and direct aid from governments or private charity, improving the social environment and abilities of the poor, which means offering free or cheap education, housing, medical care for the poor and vulnerable groups.

Mr. Freijsen said that the UN needed the help of all governments and their people to support the campaign to eradicate poverty, as it could not tackle this problem on its own.

"Although you are still young it is important to make your voices heard about poverty like you're doing here today at DIA. You and your parents can get practically involved in supporting charity, humanitarian or development organisations with money or contributions in kind. You can also contribute your valuable time by volunteering for an organisation that needs helping hands for people in need, Also here in Dubai there are lots of interesting opportunities to do rewarding things like that."

Ms. Poonam Bhojani, Executive Director of Dubai International Academy, said: "We are here today to focus on solutions to "Famine and Poverty". We believe in the ideals of the UN that Peace and Collaboration amongst Nations and Individuals will build a better tomorrow.'

The second half of the celebrations were dominated by Secondary School students and a visit by UN "delegates" who were actually students from two other schools located nearby, Wellington International School, and Emirates International School, Meadows. In the true spirit of UN cooperation and solidarity, Dubai International Academy had invited the students from the two schools to participate in the UN Day celebrations.

With the focus around the world at present being on ways to eradicate poverty the "debate" at the mock UN assembly was on "Famine and Poverty". During the discussions it was pointed out that students from Dubai International Academy took part in the recent worldwide attempt to set a new Guinness World Record , as part of the "Stand Up Against Poverty" campaign. At the end of the debate, the "delegates" passed various anti-poverty resolutions.

The celebrations were lauded by parents as a way of creating awareness about the UN and also about different cultures.

Toni Wirz, from Switzerland, attended the UN Day at DIA with his wife Ursula, to see their three children, sons, Robin and Philip and daughter Danielle, all students of the school, enjoy themselves thoroughly on UN day.

Mr. Wirz, said: "UN Day at DIA provides a great opportunity for children to learn not only about the UN but also about the variety of cultures. Such events will leave children with the impression of a peaceful global community in the future. The mix of cultures in Dubai and DIA make it very interesting and very special."

Junaid Wahedna, from India, was at DIA as part of the Wellington International School, Meadows team that participated in the debate on poverty.

"We are delighted to contribute towards the UN Day celebrations at Dubai International Academy. We find this quite exciting, as it can help widen our knowledge. We will present our ideas to help find solutions to rid this world of poverty."

Other noble initiatives introduced by the young "diplomats" was a fund-raising campaign on behalf of UNICEF and a charity drive that saw the collection of old clothes on behalf of the UAE Red Crescent Society. Students were encouraged to donate cash in any foreign currency and these were dropped in UNICEF bins at the school premises.

UNICEF had also set up a stand that provided parents and children the opportunity to buy greeting cards, and screened documentary films that showcased the work done by UNICEF around the world.

UN Day at DIA concluded with a grand Iftar organised by the school's Parents Association on the occasion of the month of Ramadan.