The ‘7 Over 7’ national initiative brings together citizens and residents, including people of determination, to refurbish Al Ahlia Charity School and create a vibrant new learning environment.
SHARJAH: In a powerful display of community spirit, more than 300 volunteers from all walks of life converged on Al Ahlia Charity Private School in Samnan, Sharjah, to completely renovate the facility, proving that collective action can build a brighter future for students.
The event, titled ‘Community-Inspired Schools’, marked the Sharjah edition of the national ‘7 Over 7’ volunteering initiative. From dawn until dusk, the school buzzed with activity as engineers, teachers, artists, and families worked side-by-side painting classrooms, planting gardens, and deep-cleaning facilities.
Inclusive Spirit Drives the Day
The initiative was notable for its inclusive nature, actively engaging people of determination as core participants. Hashem Al Masri, a first-time volunteer, discovered new aspects of her personality through the work, while 16-year-old Noureddine Amasha, despite challenges from a past illness, expressed his joy at contributing to the community.
This spirit was echoed by volunteers like Awab Khattab, who directed traffic under the sun with a smile, stating he volunteered “for the sake of God — to help people and be rewarded for it.”
Lessons in Sustainability and Service
Beyond renovation, the event was a hands-on lesson in sustainability. Teachers guided volunteers in creating organic compost from household waste—a project that had previously won global recognition at COP28.
Younger participants like Saeed Osama (11) and Ezzat Ahmed (13) chose scrubbing desks over video games. “It’s a great opportunity to spend time together and do something useful,” they said, highlighting how the value of service is being passed to a new generation.
A National Framework for Giving Back
Mohammed Abdulhamid AlHosani of the Emirates Foundation explained that the ‘7 Over 7’ programme is designed to create diverse volunteering opportunities across all seven emirates. Al Ahlia School was chosen for the Sharjah leg due to the limited economic means of many of its students.
“What makes the UAE unique,” AlHosani noted, “is that volunteers — citizens and residents alike — have a genuine desire to give back to the nation.” He confirmed the initiative will run annually, expanding into new areas like environment and heritage, ensuring the culture of service continues to grow and evolve.
