Student’s winning logo could save a life
dubai — Some students may be renowned for their prowess in mathematics or science, but if you ask Sarah Munshi’s father what his daughter excels in, it would be ‘giving’.
“From a young age, she’s always had that selfless spirit inside her. When she was in primary school she cut off her hair to donate it to cancer victims,” he told Khaleej Times.
The Grade 9 Jumeirah College student was recently declared the winner of a school-wide Gems competition.
After creating a colourful logo to represent the face of the Gems ‘Jood Rewards Programme’ — which will be launched officially in September — Munshi was also rewarded a Dh10,000 cheque, to be donated to a charity of her choice.
In a sit down with Khaleej Times, and after seeing her very logo come to life for the first time, a soft-spoken Munshi said she was impressed with the final outcome.
“It came out just how I imagined it would. It looks really cool,” she said.
Munshi first heard about the creative project through her head of year at school. But when she found out a charitable donation of Dh10,000 was being put forward, it propelled her to enter even more.
“I had read a story here about a man called Ahmed who was suffering from kidney failure. He had to give up his job and remove his daughter from school because he couldn’t keep up with the payments for treatment. After reading that, I knew I wanted to help him.”
And that’s exactly what Munshi is planning to do. She said her aim is to donate the Dh10,000 to the Dar Al Ber Society, a charity which has been helping the Syrian resident Ahmed with his treatment.
“I will request that the money goes to him and my hope is that he gets better. His treatment costs about Dh600 a session, three times a week, which is a huge strain on anyone.”
But the donation has a personal meaning for her too.
“A couple of years ago my grandfather passed away from kidney failure. So when I came across this story, I felt I had to do something.”
After watching her grandfather battle with the debilitating disease, Munshi’s father said it gave their whole family — including Sarah — a reality check.
“Every day that he underwent treatment was a day lost as he was just so exhausted. It was tough to watch, but for this Syrian man Ahmed, he can’t simply go to his home country for treatment because of the conflicts there. He is in a tough position,” he said.
As part of the charity committee at her school, Munshi is no stranger to helping others. From participating in bake sales to support cancer awareness, to organising non-uniform days in support of world peace, the young student is seen everywhere. She said being awarded the charity donation during the holy month of Ramadan was even more significant than ever, as it is the “month of giving”.
And once the money is handed
A couple of years ago my grandfather passed away from kidney failure. So when I came across this story, I felt I had to do something.” Sarah Munshi, winner
over to the Dar Al Ber Society — which Gems is currently in the process of managing — Munshi said she hopes to one day meet Ahmed to find out how he is getting on.