Thousands of children from disadvantaged backgrounds in the UAE are to be provided with free ‘back to school’ packs ahead of the new term.

Dubai Cares, a charitable institution which has focused mainly on international initiatives in the past, will send 10,000 packages each including a back pack and stationary to orphans and children from low income families within the UAE.

More than 300 volunteers helped pack the bags, which will be sent mainly to families in Sharjah, Ras Al Khaimah and Fujairah.

“As we continue to deliver vital programs that ensure access to quality education among children and youth in developing countries, it is important to look closer to home and support children who are not fortunate enough to go to school, and whose families and caregivers are unable or are barely able to afford school supplies,” said Tariq Al Gurg, Chief Executive at Dubai Cares.

“Together, we are ensuring that these children go back to school adequately equipped with school essentials that will rich their learning experience.”

Dubai Cares was set up by Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, in 2007 with a mission to help children. Its initiatives have helped 18 million beneficiaries in 57 developing countries.

The weekend’s event was sponsored by Emirates National Oil Company (Enoc) and took place at the Dubai Police Officers Club, bringing together more than 300 volunteers from the UAE community to pack school kits that will be distributed to 10,000 orphans and children aged 5 to 17.

“Through our sponsorship of the initiative by Dubai Cares, we hope to positively impact young children from under-privileged families in the UAE,” said Saif Al Falasi, the Enoc chief executive.

“We believe that our future generations need to be equipped with the necessary tools and resources, and receive the support they need to be able to strive, grow and hone their skills, even at a young age.”