DUBAI (ALETIHAD)
Dr. Abdulkader Sankari and Sons Group, through the Human Aid and Development Organisation (HAND), has joined the list of contributors to the Lebanon Education Continuity Project, carried out by Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Initiatives (MBRGI).
Delivered via the Digital School, the project ensures continued learning for children in displacement centres whose education has been disrupted by recent events. It provides digital content aligned with Lebanon's official curriculum and smart solutions enabling offline access.
The Lebanon Education Continuity Project (2024-2025) aligns with the campaign launched by President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan to support the Lebanese people. In 30th October, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, directed the provision of education support programmes in Lebanon through the Digital School.
Partnering with the Digital School, HAND Organisation will manage the on-site implementation of the project within displacement and refugee centres in Lebanon. HAND will leverage its extensive experience in the country, where it supports vulnerable families and provides sustainable solutions in education, child protection, food security, and shelter.
Dr. Abdulkader Sankari, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of HAND Organisation, said, "The Lebanon Education Continuity Project reflects His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum's vision for the transformative power of education in empowering children, ensuring their educational journey continues regardless of circumstance. We hope our contribution will positively impact the present and future of Lebanese students, and we look forward to continued collaboration with MBRGI to improve lives regionally and globally."
He continued, "Our partnership with the Digital School to implement this project in Lebanese displacement and refugee centres stems from our shared belief in the importance of collaborative efforts. We will strive to meet the needs of students in dozens of centres by equipping study halls, providing devices, stationery, heating, and other essential resources to help them catch up on their studies."
Dr. Waleed Al-Ali, Secretary-General of the Digital School, said, "The Lebanon Education Continuity Project carries great significance given the current circumstances in Lebanon. It reflects our leadership's vision and directives to mobilise all efforts and resources to support Lebanon's education sector and prevent prolonged disruptions. This is crucial to minimise the risk of children, particularly those in refugee centres, dropping out of school."
The 'UAE Stands with Lebanon' campaign, which kicked off in early October 2024 under the supervision of the International Humanitarian and Philanthropic Council, has garnered widespread community engagement.
Participants from diverse nationalities and backgrounds, including Sheikhs, Ministers, dignitaries, and business leaders, contributed to relief efforts at collection centres in Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah, and Fujairah.
Education and spreading knowledge are among MBRGI's key priorities, as it realises the vital role education plays in advancing societies through investing in their key resource: human capital. In line with its vision for improving quality of life through education, MBRGI has launched many programs and projects to support education in developing countries, combat illiteracy, train teachers, build education facilities and offer vocational training to help students in underprivileged communities.
MBRGI also focuses its efforts on enlightening the Arab youth through programs that promote reading and the gaining of knowledge to help the new generation build a solid foundation of knowledge and awareness, preparing them for future challenges.