Deyaar Development, one of Dubai’s largest property developers, has signed an agreement with Dubai Cares to build a primary school in rural Senegal to provide access to educational facilities for the community.

 Dubai Cares, part of Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Initiatives, is a philanthropic organisation aiming to improve children's access to quality education in developing countries.

As part of the Dubai Cares ‘Adopt a School’ initiative, Deyaar will build a primary school in the region of Fatik in Senegal. This is the second overseas project that Deyaar has supported within the 'Adopt a School’ initiative; the first being a school in western Nepal, which opened in February this year.

The Nepalese primary school has five grades and provides education for 165 local children. Additionally, adult literacy classes provide vital reading and writing skills to 60 adults from the community.

Senegal has a low literacy rate of around 39 per cent and very low enrolment rates for primary and secondary education. Approximately 54 per cent of people in Senegal live below the poverty line and many children face difficulty attending school.

Saeed Al Qatami, CEO of Deyaar said: “We are very pleased to announce a second partnership with Dubai Cares, and to continue to work with them to improve access to quality education for children around the world. At Deyaar, we are committed to supporting a wide range of CSR activities to make a positive and lasting contribution to society, and to support the UAE government’s goal to help local and international communities in need.”

Tariq Al Gurg, chief executive officer of Dubai Cares, said: “We feel privileged that Deyaar Development has renewed its trust in us. Dubai Cares has seen first-hand how education can provide a way out of poverty for people in need, which is why our latest partnership with Deyaar is so crucial to the community in Fatik, Senegal. Together, we will not only bring safe and quality education to 150 local children, but also help to improve adult literacy across the community through a dedicated programme. By improving access to education among children and adults, we are helping the people of Fatik to help pull themselves out of poverty.”

Dubai Cares aims to break the cycle of poverty by ensuring all children have access to quality education. Over the past 8 years, the philanthropic organisation has successfully launched education programs reaching over 14 million beneficiaries in 41 developing countries in partnership with UN aid agencies and international and local NGOs. – TradeArabia News Service