Your event last month raised money for the Special Care Centre of the Good Heart Foundation. Why is this a worthy cause?
The Special Care Centre is an educational facility for students with special needs in Abu Dhabi. There is a long and growing waiting list of children wishing to enrol. The school provides discounted fees to many of their students, giving children from underprivileged families the opportunity of an education.
What was your involvement in the Fashion For Charity event?
The Fashion For Charity event served as the final exam for the Grade 11 fashion students of The Sheikh Zayed Private Academy. I am their teacher for the course. As their teacher, I guided the girls through the entire process, from concept to completion – the actual work was completed by the girls. I served as their support.
Tell us about the pictured dress.
The designer is Sheikha bint Saeed bin Saif Al-Nahyan, and she has titled her outfit ‘Around The Planet In Five Orbits’. It was inspired by planets and their orbits. The skirt is in the shape of a big planet, and on the top and bottom part of it there is a band of shiny orange and silver sequences. The most interesting element on the top is an orbit-like ring, which is attached to a black T-shirt and sewn across one side of the body.
How did Sorouh get involved?
One of the students contacted Sorouh, and they graciously accepted the request for sponsorship.
Should other big businesses be taking note?
I think large businesses should follow Sorouh’s lead. It was hard for the girls to secure the sponsors that they did. More businesses like Sorouh should open the doors for students. Community involvement is important in the education of our youth.
Tell us your highlight from the Fashion For Charity event.
Seeing them all work together, planning and organising, was very encouraging to me as a teacher.
Will you do something similar to this event in the future?
Absolutely. I always look for learning opportunities outside of the school, to get the students involved in real world projects and have fun at the same time.
How do you think the UAE is shaping up as a charitable nation?
I think the UAE is off to a good start, but there is always room for improvement. I am constantly hearing about fundraising and charity events. Awareness is very important, and I know our journalists are working hard to make us more aware.
In your opinion, what needs to be improved?
I would like to see an environment where people are comfortable to speak up about their needs – a place where people feel safe to voice their opinions or express their concerns.
Sum up the Fashion For Charity project in three words.
Working learning together.
