About the Cause
Dubai Cares’ programs are designed to reduce, if not remove, the greatest obstacles that prevent children and young people in developing countries from attaining quality education. With each intervention, Dubai Cares evaluates the need for assistance across two key areas:
Access to Education which allows Dubai Cares to improve children’s health and learning environment, increase education enrollment and attainment, increase access to education, reduce absenteeism, increase gender parity and increase promotion rates.
Quality of Education which enables early learning, enhances educational attainment and school progression, improves literacy and numeracy skills among children, enables teachers to access teacher training resulting in better learning outcomes, reduce dropout rates and increase primary school attainment.
Dubai Cares is a long-term advocate of safeguarding children and young people’s right to education and is currently playing a global advocacy role in spreading the knowledge about the importance of providing education to the unprivileged children.
We also champion education through research - There is an overwhelming lack of evidence as to what works to promote children’s learning in crisis-affected contexts. Research plays a pivotal role in tackling this issue.
My Story
I carry a heavy burden in my heart as a woman. Every month, young girls in my community suffer in silence, trapped in a cycle of shame and struggle because they cannot afford something as basic as sanitary pads. Their pain is invisible, yet it is devastating. I can no longer look away,I must act. During one of my regular volunteer talks at a local school, two girls, Shifura and Jane (no real names for confidentiality), asked to speak with me privately. As the other students left, they stood back, hesitant and nervous. “Please help my friend with some money—it’s urgent,” Shifura pleaded, her voice cracking voice. I looked at them, confused. Before I could respond, Jane whispered, “I’m all wet, yet I have a test this afternoon.” Her words hit me like a knife to the heart. I saw the shame and desperation in her eyes. Then, she broke down, tears. Shifura cried too, unable to hold it. After a few minutes, I held their hands, my own heart aching, and gently said, “It’s okay. Talk to me.” Jane told me what too many girls in my community endure every month. She had no sanitary pads. She had used toilet paper because it was the cheapest option but it wasn’t enough. It left her uncomfortable, ashamed, and terrified of being humiliated. This moment changed everything for me. Jane’s story is not unique. Countless girls miss school every month while other commit suicide due to shame because they lack access to menstrual products. Please stand with me in this cause, every money is helpful