Dubai Cares, a philanthropic organization working to improve children's access to primary education in developing countries, recently honoured donor Sunny Varkey, founder and chairman of GEMS Education and founder of the Varkey Foundation.

Tariq Al Gurg, chief executive officer honoured Varkey for fulfilling his commitment of donating Dh100 million ($27.2million), which he pledged to provide Dubai Cares in 2007, reported Emirates news agency Wam.

The donation was delivered over a period of 10 years in support of the global philanthropic organisation’s efforts toward securing children's rights to receive an education.

The high-profile meeting also presented a strategic opportunity for both parties to discuss the impact of their long-lasting partnership on the lives of children, their families and their communities, as well as share their outlook for the philanthropic sector and the challenges that lie ahead.

During the meeting, Al Gurg highlighted Dubai Cares’ recent endeavours aimed at ensuring universal quality education, as well as the organisation’s efforts to advocate for quality education to become a primary focus on the agendas of local and national governments worldwide.

Al Gurg said: "Our partnership with Varkey has had many layers, much beyond the Dh100-million commitment made in 2007, which has allowed us to reach out to millions of children around the world. His long-standing loyalty towards the UAE and his belief in His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai's vision behind the establishment of Dubai Cares, inspired him to become a key supporter of the organisation."

"We have a long and close partnership with Dubai Cares and fully support the work carried out by the organisation, which was launched by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid in 2007. We are honoured to be involved in their projects,” Varkey said.

“Dubai Cares’ vision of supporting children in developing countries is closely aligned with our vision to provide quality education to all. For many children around the world are denied this basic human right, and I am proud that many schools across the GEMS Education network actively take part in charity events throughout the year that support Dubai Cares’ educational initiatives.”

Sunny Varkey was among the first private sector donors to contribute to Dubai Cares, and his pledge comes as part of his commitment to making a difference to the lives of children in developing countries, the report added.