Abu Dhabi: In the aftermath of the earthquakes in Nepal, Emirati students from Zayed University came together to raise money for the victims as part of the university’s Stay Strong Nepal campaign.
The campaign began on Wednesday at the university’s women campus. On the second day of the campaign on Thursday, several booths were set up by students on the male campus, selling food and other items to raise money.
Dhananjay Jha, Nepalese Ambassador to the UAE, visited the booths and praised the UAE for its support and assistance to the Nepalese community.
Jha said: “From day one [since the disaster] the UAE has sent messages of encouragement, providing help and support to the people of Nepal, so we are very grateful and thankful towards the UAE and its government.”
Abdullah Khalid, who studies business finance, organised and set up a booth to help with the fundraising campaign, holding a bake sale and a computer gaming section.
He said: “We had to brainstorm and come up with ideas for the fundraiser and what we were going to do. We decided to hold a bake sale and to also have games on the side, and that’s why I brought my own personal PlayStation 4. Students can play games on the console for Dh10 with the money going towards the charity.”
Khalid added that it was a very good initiative to partake in, as it allows them to be involved in a big and helpful cause.
“It’s good to participate in an initiative that is part of a bigger picture, it’s not just about us, it’s a collective effort to help out. Maybe what we’re doing is small, but it’s an initiative and we will fundraise a respectable amount of money that can go towards helping Nepal,” he said.
“It is very good to take part in such efforts because this involves us in real life, carrying out real actions, it’s not just theoretical ideas involving books and such, but a hands-on approach.”
Mohammad Nizar Luqman, who is majoring in international affairs, sold t-shirts that he produced at his own company.
Luqman said: “Charity has always been the trademark of the UAE. It’s a wonderful campaign launched by the university and students that bring people together to help towards a good cause. Helping other people in need is a part of our culture, religion and identity so it’s very important we take part.”
He added: “The students here are committed to helping. A lot of the students want to leave their mark, and this is the best place for them to be able to do that. We’re happy to have the opportunity to contribute.”
