Gulf for Good to partner with top educational institutions in UAE

Gulf for Good to partner with top educational institutions in UAE

Dubai-based charity group aims to expand reach over the Gulf and boost regional participation

April 14, 2010

Gulf for Good (G4G), a Dubai-based charity that organises adventure challenges to raise funds to be donated to handpicked causes, is planning to partner with educational institutions across the UAE, to further promote its fund-raising adventure activities. The initiative is also part of the charity’s vision to expand its reach over the Gulf region and boost the number of regional participants in its adventure activities.

G4G has previously worked with UAE-based institutions such as The English College and Dubai Men’s College and is aiming to involve other schools, colleges and universities in adventure challenges to raise funds for charity. The charity’s plan to collaborate with educational institutions can also assist programs such as the ‘Duke of Edinburgh Awards’ and the International Baccalaureate, both of which are dedicated to the personal development of young people from all backgrounds and the promotion of peace through intercultural understanding. Some of G4G’s previous projects include the construction of a community hospital in Nepal, classrooms in Tanzania, purchasing children’s physiotherapy equipment in Sharjah, computer software for blind students in Oman and medical equipment in Palestine.

“We believe that students can learn important lessons not only inside the classroom, but also by interacting with and playing an active role in the community, which can hone a host of practical skills to complement their theoretical knowledge,” said Brian Wilkie, Chairman and Founder of Gulf for Good. “With the growing interest of students in the UAE in acquiring a holistic education, we are confident that our challenges will help students to get fitter, develop their skills, learn to respect and understand other cultures and become well-rounded individuals with a culture of serving the community.”

Gulf for Good is set to be honoured at the first ever ‘Noble Humanitarian Awards Middle East’, a prestigious annual gathering that recognises the achievements of philanthropic organisations, which is being staged at the Emirates Palace on April 24, 2010. The gala event, which aims to drive awareness on the work of regional charity organisations and the impact of their work in the lives of people across the globe, is being organised by The Celebrity Charity Awards Corporation, a U.S non-profit organisation working to unify the efforts of charities with celebrities, influencers, media and citizens to create an effective forum for change.

“We are proud to honour G4G for spearheading unique activities that encourage people from all across the Gulf to become involved in exciting events while raising funds for the needy across the world. The innovative approach being developed by this organisation and the sizeable amounts of money they have managed to raise for charity, have played a significant part for their selection at the first ‘Noble Humanitarian Awards Middle East’,” concluded Janeen Mansour, Founder, The Noble Humanitarian Awards.

Founded in 2001, Gulf for Good (www.gulf4good.org) is operating under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Ahmed Bin Saeed Al Maktoum, President, Dubai's Department of Civil Aviation and Chairman & CEO, Emirates Group. To date, G4G has organised a total of 28 challenges in 17 countries involving over 550 participants aged from 15 to 72, and has raised over AED 5 million in total funds, which have been donated to tangible and deserving community projects in the adventure challenge host countries. The challenges previously organised by the group include trekking to Machu Piccu in Peru and Everest Base Camp, cycling in Cambodia, kayaking in Madagascar, Oman and Borneo and even camel trekking in Jordan! This year, they are offering climbing Kilimanjaro, hiking in Lebanon, cycling in Cuba and cycling, trekking and kayaking in northern Thailand.