|
Dubai: Education is the only solution to ensure the holistic reintegration of the 103 children in Chad, according to a Dubai Cares delegation currently visiting the African nation, following a directive from HH Sheikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai.
The delegation led by the UAE non-resident Ambassador to Chad, Eissa Al Nuaimi is on a two-day visit to deliver humanitarian aid and join forces with Chad-based international aid agencies to bring about the reunification of the children with their families, prior to the implementation of community-based education programmes.
The Dubai Cares delegation delivered 15 tonnes of food, medicine, clothing, and toys to the children that are currently under the care of a local orphanage.
The delegation included a team of doctors, a pharmacist and a nurse who conducted medical check-ups to monitor the children?s health and recommend appropriate treatment.
Mohammad Al Emadi, project coordinator Dubai Cares said: "Despite the sensitivity of the problem, our fundamental objective is to provide a glimpse into what Dubai Cares intends to achieve in other impoverished nations, which is to promote education as a long-term solution to issues that impede the development and stability of communities.
"By returning children to the protective environment of education, we will guarantee their full reintegration into their communities.
"Education will also contribute to alleviating the trauma that many of these children have experienced, which, if left unaddressed, will impact their psychological well being in the long term."
Facilitated by the local governor of Abeshe, the delegation met with the ministers of foreign affairs, health and social affairs, in addition to the secretary General of foreign relations.
They met as well with officials of UNICEF, World Food Programme, United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, International Committee of the Red Cross, World Health Organization, Office of the Coordinator of Humanitarian Affairs.
Serge Mal, UNHCR representative in Chad, said: "The reunification of these children with their families and their complete reintegration into the society is our ultimate goal. We will work in their best interests given the humanitarian implications of the situation."
Mariam Ndiaye, UNICEF Representative in Chad said the welfare organisation's main concern was to allow the children to return to their families, as a crucial first step towards their better future.
Dubai Cares is the latest in a line of international initiatives that reflect Dubai's willingness to play an effective role in securing a better tomorrow for future generations.
The campaign is Dubai's contribution to a global drive to help countries achieve their U.N. Millennium Development Goals of providing primary education to every child by 2015.
Dubai Cares is founded on the belief that education is the best long-term solution to poverty and an effective engine for national growth and development.
|
