Emirates has taken a step to support early education in Zimbabwe by donating 325 special edition backpacks and essential school supplies to two non-profit organizations. The airline provided these resources to Rose of Sharon and St Marcellins Children’s Village Trust, both dedicated to assisting financially disadvantaged youths.
Despite significant educational reforms in Zimbabwe, rural schools often lack necessary infrastructure and resources, creating disparities with urban areas. Emirates aims to bridge this gap by providing practical and stylish backpacks along with stationery supplies. This initiative is part of the airline’s commitment to ‘connecting communities’ through meaningful contributions.
Talal Al Gergawi, Emirates’ Country Manager for Zimbabwe, emphasized the importance of equipping the next generation with essential educational tools: “To provide the next generation with the essential tools to build a better future, we first must provide them the essential tools for their education.”
The donated backpacks were handmade by Emirates Engineering using upcycled materials from the airline’s A380 and 777 aircraft. Dr. Fatima Maruta, Founder of Rose of Sharon, expressed gratitude for the donation: “We are grateful for the practical support that Emirates is giving to the children as it will make the world of difference.”
In addition to backpacks, Emirates supplied pens, pencils, erasers, calculators, notebooks, and culturally rich books from local authors Munyaradzi Gunduza, Blessed Mudzingwa, and Reggies Chapwanya. These books offer interactive learning opportunities for students.
Sybil Macdonald, Co-founder of St Marcellins, praised Emirates’ ongoing support: “Emirates has been incredible as they have carried us over the past 7 – 8 years and as a result we have managed to educate these children.”
Through its Airline Foundation, Emirates has a history of supporting children’s welfare programs in Zimbabwe. The foundation assists over 70 children at St Marcellins who face challenges such as physical disabilities and HIV.
The ‘Aircrafted by Emirates’ initiative extends beyond Zimbabwe; donations have also been made in Zambia and Ethiopia. More than 50,000 kg of materials from retired aircraft are expected to be repurposed into bags for future donations across Africa and Asia.
