Educating children key to ending cycle of poverty, says Maitha

Educating children key to ending cycle of poverty, says Maitha
By Zoi Constantine, Staff Reporter Published: September 28, 2007, 00:00

Dubai: Shaikha Maitha Bint Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum has urged Dubai's diverse, multi-cultural communities to unite under the banner of 'Dubai Cares' to contribute to the goal of educating 1 million children.

The call came as the amount raised for the initiative launched on September 19 by His Highness Shaikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, topped Dh300 million.

Among the latest to donate are Dubai Contracting, which yesterday pledged Dh500,000, and Ahmad Siddiqui and Sons who donated Dh1.5 million to the six-week campaign at an event hosted by Shaikha Maitha, on Wednesday night.

During the event she also announced that she will host the 'Dubai Cares' Walkathon, scheduled for October 19 to be attended by members of the public as well as sporting personalities and well-known names from the world of art and culture in the UAE.

"Dubai Cares is an opportunity for all of us - regardless of our race, religion or ethnic background - to bring together the different communities in Dubai's multicultural landscape to support a common cause and contribute to a greater purpose," Shaikha Maitha said during her address before the diverse crowd at the Dubai World Trade Centre on Wednesday evening.

"We recognise education as the best long-term solution to poverty alleviation in the developing world -educating children, especially girls, is the key to ending the global 'cycle of poverty'."

Present at the event to launch Shaikha Maitha's participation were various sports personalities, artists and actors, including Abdullah Al Khair, who pledged their support for 'Dubai Cares.'