Schools and universities across the UAE are to raise funds for less fortunate students as part of a new Emirates Red Crescent campaign.
The annual initiative, which began on Tuesday, will see more than 500 schools and 76 universities take part.
Organisers hope to collect money and school supplies - including text books and stationery - for low-income families who struggle with the cost of sending their children to school.
This year, the scheme will also see teams of volunteers visiting patients in local hospitals to offer their help.
Awards will also be presented to schools and universities who are judged to have helped the most.
“The Awn award aims to build a spirit of giving and social responsibility in pupils starting from kindergarten,” said Rashid Al Mansouri, deputy chairman of local affairs at the ERC.
“This campaign also strengthens nationalist values in participants as they collaborate to aid others.
“The students will also be made more aware of the importance of humanitarian and volunteer work.”
During last year’s campaign, a total of 1,800 fundraising events were held, with about 7,000 people taking part.
“Volunteer work involves many elements. [Individuals] can volunteer with their time, expertise, effort or money,” said Rashid Al Kaabi, head of volunteers at the ERC.
