Dubai students raise funds for Pakistani healthcare charity

Dubai - Fifteen students take part in initiative to provide free medical treatment to needy people in Pakistan

Pakistani students from different schools in Dubai came forward to raise funds for a charity drive for Pakistan's Indus Hospital and Health Network.

An inspired group of 15 students aged between 12 and 18 took part in the initiative to further the cause of free and quality healthcare for all. An event was held at a local hotel in Dubai on Thursday night to honour the Indus Youth Ambassadors and acknowledge their efforts and success.

Students galvanised their social circles, friends, and families to raise awareness about the wide array of work done for Pakistan's vulnerable and underprivileged people.

They raised over Dh93,000 in just three months between April and July 2021 with the help of 195 donors. The students of Dubai College, Jebel Ali School, Jumeirah College, Jumeirah English School and Wellington International School created a fundraiser page via the YallaGive platform and then shared it with their families and friends through their social media platforms. They also made personal calls and engaged with schools and peers to raise funds.

Operating 13 hospitals, four rehabilitation centres, four regional blood centres and primary care clinics in Pakistan, the Indus healthcare group provides free treatment to more than 450,000 patients every month.

"I am very proud of our young superstars who have strived in these difficult times and managed to raise a considerable amount of money for the deserving children in Pakistan. It's truly inspirational," said Dr Amber Rashid, director of Indus Hospital and Health Network.

"Instead of going to school, we tried to involve the wider Pakistani community," she said. "We have had a good response though just 15 children took part in the campaign. They worked really hard to spread the word. Hopefully, we'll get a much bigger number next year."

"Before the Covid-19 pandemic, we used to have three or four awareness and fundraiser events every year. In October, we'll have another big fundraiser programme where some well-known people from Pakistan will also attend."

Dr Faisel Ikram, president of Pakistan Association Dubai, said: "This is a great initiative. It's not about the money, it's about the philosophy that we need to instil into the youth. I believe that it's the right move which the Indus group has taken to encourage and mobilise the youth."

Student uses passion for guitar to raise funds

Ayaan Ehsan, a grade nine student from Dubai College, is one of the 15 children who took part in the fundraising campaign for the Indus Hospital and Health Network. Ayaan, who loves to play the guitar, decided to use his passion for the instrument to raise funds.

“I’ve learnt to play the guitar for many years. I decided to use my skill for this noble cause. I posted around five guitar videos on YallahGive and each one was of a famous and recognisable song. Each one raised a good amount of fund. For example, I collected around Dh6,000 for my first guitar video,” Ehsan said, adding that going forward, he will continue supporting this initiative.

“When I learnt about the sufferings of the children in Pakistan, I decided to take part in this initiative to make a difference,” he added.

Students who took part in the fundraising campaign:

Amani Tumbi, Dubai College

Ayaan Ehsan, Dubai College

Azlan Shah, Dubai College

Dua, Jumeirah College

Faris Saadaat, Dubai College

Hajra, Jumeirah College

Haya Aslam, Dubai College

Mohammed Anwar, Jumeirah College

Pareysa Ahmed, Jumeirah College

Samar Hasan, Jebel Ali School

Saniya Hasan, Jebel Ali School

Simran, Jumeirah College

Sophya Mashkoor, Wellington International School

Taha Siddiqi, JESS

Zahraa Muhammad, Dubai College

-waheedabbas@khaleejtimes.com

• Dubai