Fifteen Dubai Cares volunteers, who took part in the organisation’s 2017 edition of 'Volunteer Globally', have returned to Dubai following their visit to the village of Phuleli in the Nepalese district of Kanchanpur where they helped lay the foundation for a new community school.

The 15-member volunteer team participated in school worksite activities during the mission from October 21st to 27th including digging trenches, laying bricks, tying and reinforcing steel bars as well as mixing concrete, picking, sifting and pumping water. The activities were also combined with cultural education workshops for better interaction and understanding of the local community.

Commenting on the weeklong efforts of all involved, Tariq Al Gurg, Chief Executive Officer at Dubai Cares, said, "Volunteerism is part of Dubai Cares’ DNA, and we see it as one of the clearest expressions of solidarity with communities around the world and an effective tool for sustainable development. Through our Volunteer Globally initiative, Dubai Cares’ aim is to engage volunteers based in the UAE in a unique experience and give them the opportunity to see the reality on the ground and help us in addressing pressing challenges related to education in developing countries. We are proud of the commitment and dedication of our volunteers who traveled with us from the UAE to dedicate their time, passion and expertise to provide the gift of education to underprivileged children in Nepal. The impact of the work carried out by the volunteers in the span of just one week will certainly last for decades."

Volunteers from Dubai Cares, part of the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Initiatives, were joined in the field by team members from Dubai Cares and its implementing partner, BuildOn, as well as a construction team from the local community.

Rana Awad, Community Engagement Manager at Dubai Cares said, "Dubai Cares’ initiative brought together 15 volunteers from different backgrounds and cultures who worked hand in hand and relentlessly to build a school in Phuleli village. We were very moved by their enthusiasm, commitment and dedication. We are proud of every one of our volunteers, and through their support, the children in Phuleli will soon have a safe learning environment where they can thrive and build a better future for themselves and their community."

Volunteer Iman Al Marri, from the UAE, said, "Taking some time out from my day to volunteer has been an essential ritual since I was a 16-year-old. Being part of Dubai Cares’ Volunteer Globally initiative allows me to help others not only in my own community, but also around the world and experience something outside my daily lifestyle. I hope this experience makes a difference to the life of children and young people in this village in Nepal."

This year’s Volunteer Globally initiative coincided with the 30-day fitness challenge launched by His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of the Dubai Sports Council, and all volunteers and Dubai Cares staff committed to carrying out 30 minutes of daily exercise during their stay in Nepal.

Kanchanpur is home to the population of indigenous Tharu. Across the region, 44 percent of the population is living below the poverty line, and illiteracy rates in rural Nepal are close to 70 percent. Obstacles to education include costs, distance, low quality; parents prefer their children working than educating them, leading to many children dropping out of school or failing to enroll.