DUBAI // Dubai Cares has completed a four-year project to boost education standards and provide opportunities for almost 60,000 primary pupils in the Comoros Islands.
"Our programme in Comoros is a very important one as it focuses on three critical elements that are key components of every Dubai Cares programme: accessibility to quality primary education, gender equality and early child development," said Tariq Al Gurg, chief executive of Dubai Cares, after a recent visit to the country.
"We are hopeful and confident that our involvement with and support of the educational reform process alongside the ministry of national education will empower an entire generation of children."
The Dh9.5 million aid has been used to reform the education system in the Comoros Islands' 309 public primary schools. It brought Quran classes to 153 mainly rural primary schools and 6,200 children, aged between three and five, were given aid to enrol.
The organisation worked with the UN children's fund in every district to improve educational development for young children and make it easier for them to enrol at primary school. Key focuses were girls and vulnerable children.
It was implemented in the three main islands of Grand Comore, Anjouan and Moheli off the East African coast.
The Comoros Islands project was conducted in close collaboration with local authorities, parents and teachers.
Community and media campaigns have also been used to help break down barriers preventing girls from getting an education, and improving access to water and hygiene in schools.