Emirates Champions Early Education with 325 ‘Aircrafted Kids’ Backpacks in Zimbabwe
Emirates is reinforcing its commitment to education and youth empowerment by donating 325 special edition ‘Aircrafted Kids’ backpacks to underprivileged students in Zimbabwe. The airline distributed these unique, upcycled bags—crafted from materials of its iconic A380 and 777 aircraft—alongside essential school supplies to two local non-profit organizations: Rose of Sharon and St Marcellins Children’s Village Trust.
Education remains a critical pillar for economic and social development, yet access to fundamental resources remains a challenge for many students in rural Zimbabwe. Recognizing this gap, Emirates stepped in to provide practical support to the young learners of Rose of Sharon and St Marcellins, ensuring they have the tools needed to continue their studies.
Talal Al Gergawi, Emirates’ Country Manager for Zimbabwe, emphasized the airline’s dedication to community enrichment: “Education is the foundation of a brighter future. By equipping students with these backpacks and supplies, we are investing in their potential and strengthening our bonds with Zimbabwe’s diverse communities.”
The initiative was executed with precision—each organization carefully selected the bags that best suited their students’ needs. Emirates Engineering handcrafted the backpacks, repurposing aircraft materials to create a sustainable and functional solution for young learners.
Dr. Fatima Maruta, Founder of Rose of Sharon, expressed gratitude: “This generous contribution will have a lasting impact on our children’s education and overall well-being.” Sybil Macdonald, Co-founder of St Marcellins, echoed these sentiments, acknowledging Emirates’ consistent support over the years: “Emirates has been a steadfast partner in our mission to educate and uplift orphaned and disadvantaged children.”
Beyond backpacks, Emirates supplied a range of school essentials, including stationery and culturally rich books from Zimbabwean authors, fostering literacy and interactive learning among students.
This initiative aligns with the broader mission of the Emirates Airline Foundation, which has supported St Marcellins for years, providing care and education for orphaned children, many facing significant health challenges. Now, over 70 children under the foundation’s care will also benefit from the ‘Aircrafted’ backpacks.
Emirates’ sustainability-driven project extends beyond Zimbabwe. To date, 1,239 backpacks have been donated across Africa, including Zambia and Ethiopia, with expansion plans set for Asia in the coming months.
