An operations team from 'Dubai Cares' left for Myanmar to establish 200 schools that will additionally function as child protection centres in the cyclone ravaged areas.

Cyclone Nargis slammed into coastal towns and villages in the rice-growing delta on May 3, leaving over one million people homeless, and a further 24 million stranded with no access to electricity and water.

The official death toll currently stands at 22,000, with figures expected to reach the 100,000-mark.

The delegation from Dubai left for Myanmar following the directives of Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, UAE vice-president and prime minister and Dubai ruler.

200 multi-purpose tents will be converted into schools which will be adequately equipped with facilities and relief materials to offer immediate solace to the children.

Apart from offering a protective environment, the facilities will also help rehabilitate and educate the children following the country’s return to normalcy.

Reem Al Hashimy, minister of state and chairperson of 'Dubai Cares' board of directors, said: “Dubai Cares considers the welfare of children an essential foundation to our mission of providing primary level education. We believe that education can reap rich benefits only when the beneficiaries are accorded a stable environment.
 
“Under the directions of Sheikh Mohammed, our initiative to establish 200 schools in Myanmar comes out of our commitment to giving them the comfort of a caring environment that will fast track their rehabilitation and help them deal with the trauma of the cyclone, prior to receiving formal learning.”

Al Hashimy added Dubai Cares’ endeavour in Myanmar validates its belief that guaranteeing the continuity of children’s education for their overall development is as important as ensuring their physical well being.-TradeArabia News Service