Dubai Cares, part of Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Initiatives, has announced that it will be hosting 10 editions of its popular local volunteering initiative, Volunteer Emirates, in collaboration with Senses Residential and Day Care for Special Needs in Dubai. The first edition took place today at the center that looks after children and young adults with severe physical and learning difficulties with the participation of 20 volunteers. The volunteers engaged with the students through story-telling, sports activities, games and assisting the teachers within the classroom. The initiative also covered the provision of essential equipment and medical support.

Speaking about this latest edition of Volunteer Emirates, Abdulla Ahmed Al Shehhi, Chief Operating Officer at Dubai Cares said: "In line with the Year of Zayed 2018 and with our mission of providing inclusive education, this edition of Volunteer Emirates aims to help children of determination in the UAE overcome the barriers that prevent them from accessing equal learning opportunities. It is critical that children and young people of determination are not left behind."

"We are sincerely grateful to the volunteers who joined us today and will be joining us in the upcoming 9 editions. Their presence and interaction with children at the Senses Residential and Day Care for Special Needs Center will have a big impact on them emotionally and academically," Alshehhi continued.

Khawla Al Sayegh, Vice Executive Manager at Senses Residential and Day Care Centre said: "We thank Dubai Cares once again for its continued support of children of determination. We are happy to see the smiles on the children's faces after a fun day of engaging with the volunteers."

Livigno Gioffredi, one of the participating volunteers said: "I am glad to be part of a fun and uplifting volunteering experience. The joy in the children's faces at the end of the day said it all, and I realized what a great difference each of us can make in a child's life, even through a small act."

Imran Muhammad Arshad said: "The connections we made with the children today blew me away. Although we came here with the goal of making a difference in their lives, I am humbled by the impact they have had on me – it is a feeling I will never forget!"