DP World Foundation, the philanthropic arm of DP World, has successfully concluded its inaugural charitable project in Egypt. The "Back to School" initiative provided 5,000 stationery sets, school bags and other necessary learning tools to deserving male and female students in the governorates of Luxor and Aswan.
In partnership with the National Alliance for Civil Development Action in Aswan, DP World Foundation distributed the supplies to students from schools in Esna, Edfu, and Kom Ombo. The initiative aimed to support students from disadvantaged backgrounds and ensure their continued access to education. DP World Foundation extended its thanks and appreciation to all its partners in the success of the initiative.
A closing ceremony marked the conclusion of the project, featuring an artistic performance by Nubian school children and a welcoming reception for guests. The event was attended by Omar Sharif Al Marzooqi, a member of the DP World Foundation Board of Directors, Latifa Al Qemzi, DP World Foundation’s Director General, Dr. Amr Lashin, Deputy Governor of Aswan, and a large number of students and school officials.
After a Nubian parade performed by children in Aswan, members of the DP World Foundation distributed school boxes to students in an atmosphere filled with joy and happiness. Volunteers from the Haya Karima and El Orman foundations assisted in handing out school supplies, working in coordination with the DP World Foundation team.
The "Back to School" initiative, launched by the DP World Foundation for the first time outside the UAE, included Egypt, and the first beneficiaries were in Upper Egypt's governorates, specifically Luxor and Aswan. The initiative aimed to support deserving students by providing educational resources and helping to enhance their learning experience.
This effort was made in collaboration with the National Alliance for Civil Development Action, formalised through a joint cooperation agreement. The agreement was signed by His Excellency Nasser Abdulla, Vice Chairman and CEO of the DP World Foundation, and Ambassador Nabila Makram, Head of the Technical Secretariat of the National Alliance for Civil Development Action. The agreement established the "Back to School" initiative as the foundation for future charitable projects, with plans for continued support across various sectors.
During the launch event in Luxor, HE Nasser Abdulla attended an artistic performance by local schoolchildren, featuring Pharaonic and Upper Egyptian displays. Following this, the DP World Foundation's ship set off down the Nile, accompanied by a convoy of trucks loaded with school supplies for students in Luxor, Aswan, and surrounding areas. The first stop was Esna, followed by Edfu, where Mrs. Latifa Al Qemzi and other DP World Foundation members distributed school boxes to students at Edfu Elementary School, bringing joy to both the children and their teachers.
The DP World Foundation convoy made its third stop at Kom Ombo centre, where DP World Foundation members visited a local village to distribute school boxes to students of various educational levels. They also visited the homes of students' families, engaging with them to understand their needs and explore ways to support them in facing daily challenges.
The convoy then proceeded to its final destination in Aswan Governorate, where school supplies were distributed, marking the conclusion of DP World Foundation’s inaugural charitable project in Egypt. The event culminated with a Nubian cultural performance in front of the DP World Foundation ship.
HE Nasser Abdulla, Vice Chairman and CEO of the DP World Foundation, said: "We are delighted to have successfully completed our inaugural charitable project in Egypt. The 'Back to School' initiative was designed to support male and female students from underprivileged communities in Luxor and Aswan. By providing 5,000 school boxes containing essential supplies, we aimed to empower these students and enable them to continue their education."
He added: "Education is a cornerstone of societal development. This initiative aligns with our ongoing efforts to improve the lives of individuals in communities that require our support. In collaboration with the National Alliance for Civil Development Action, we strive to provide assistance in an efficient and sustainable manner, ensuring that our support directly reaches those in need."
Ms. Latifa Al Qemzi, Director General of the DP World Foundation, emphasised DP World Foundation’s dedication to making a lasting and meaningful difference by offering vital support to the most vulnerable communities. She said: "Through this initiative, we aimed to address the needs of students in Luxor and Aswan governorates by providing them with the tools necessary to continue their education and build a better future. This effort is part of our ongoing mission to broaden the scope of our support, working in partnership with local and international organisations to ensure aid reaches beneficiaries as swiftly as possible. We remain committed to improving the lives of individuals in communities facing urgent challenges."
DP World Foundation focuses its activities on delivering essential aid, such as food, medical supplies, and educational support, as part of its ongoing charitable campaigns. This initiative was part of DP World Foundation’s broader mission to provide development services. Through its humanitarian and charitable projects in various countries, DP World Foundation supports key sectors, particularly health, education, and the provision of food supplies. By forging strategic partnerships with government institutions both within and beyond the UAE, DP World Foundation ensures the sustainability of its programmes and maximises its reach to both supporters and beneficiaries.