Emirates has donated 107 ‘Aircrafted KIDS by Emirates’ backpacks to SOS Children’s Villages in Lahore, reinforcing its commitment to education and sustainability. The backpacks, crafted from upcycled aircraft materials, contain essential school supplies and hygiene products, ensuring better educational access for underprivileged children in Pakistan.
The initiative aligns with Pakistan’s efforts to improve its education infrastructure and supports the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal No. 4, which focuses on quality education for all. SOS Children’s Villages was selected as the beneficiary due to its ongoing efforts to provide a safe and nurturing environment for orphaned and vulnerable children.
Emirates’ donation is part of its broader sustainability and community outreach initiatives, which focus on repurposing materials from retired aircraft while making a meaningful impact on disadvantaged communities. The ‘Aircrafted KIDS by Emirates’ collection is a testament to this commitment, ensuring that aviation waste is minimized while benefiting those in need.
Mohammed Al Nahari Alhashmi, Vice President of Emirates Pakistan, expressed the airline’s pleasure in collaborating with SOS Children’s Villages. He highlighted the significance of providing children with the necessary tools to excel in education, emphasizing that small contributions can create lasting change in their lives.
National Director of SOS Children’s Villages Pakistan, Saba Faisal, expressed gratitude for Emirates’ generous contribution. She noted the enthusiasm and joy among the children who received the backpacks, appreciating the thoughtful inclusion of school supplies and hygiene essentials. She also acknowledged the airline’s role in supporting the long-term development of children by enabling them to pursue their education with dignity.
The ‘Aircrafted KIDS by Emirates’ collection repurposes materials from retired A380 and B777 aircraft undergoing cabin retrofits. This approach not only promotes sustainability but also extends the life cycle of aircraft materials in a meaningful way. The backpacks contain stationery items, notebooks, and culturally relevant educational books, in addition to hygiene products, ensuring a holistic approach to supporting children’s needs.
Beyond Pakistan, Emirates has made similar donations to organizations in Bangladesh and India, bringing the total number of backpacks distributed in Asia to 700 units. The initiative follows a previous donation of 1,239 backpacks in Africa, reinforcing the airline’s commitment to global educational support.
By merging sustainability with corporate social responsibility, Emirates continues to demonstrate its dedication to making a positive difference in the communities it serves. The donation to SOS Children’s Villages in Lahore is a step towards bridging educational gaps and ensuring that children from disadvantaged backgrounds have access to the resources they need to succeed.
