HOPE – An initiative to Help Out Possibly Everyone Everywhere by GEMS Legacy School

Dubai: The GEMS Legacy School launched what promises to be the most significant character-building initiative, we have undertaken on January 13, 2023 – HOPE- Help out Possibly Everyone, Everywhere. Where there is HOPE in the future, the present becomes extremely powerful. HOPE is about leading a more inclusive, kinder and healthier life for all of our GLS families.

Asha Alexander, Principal and CEO, of GEMS Legacy School, said, “I am of the belief that the environment shapes our fundamental beliefs and if we do not give our students the opportunity to see us modelling inclusivity, kindness and a healthy lifestyle, then we cannot expect to instil this in our children. Their environment and those people in that environment are critical to the emotional and physical well-being of our children. We seek to bring to all our stakeholders a better way of life. Under this huge umbrella of HOPE, we want to ensure that our students learn to be inclusive and are able to practice inclusivity not only at school but outside of it.”

Also, read- 58 GEMS Global Ambassadors take oath for Sustainable Development

The day with the TEAM Angelwolf story to motivate and inspire parents, teachers and students on their journeys of life- to build resilience and grit and persevere with joy and passion. The heart-warming and soul-awakening motivational talk by Nick Watson from TEAM ANGELWOLF on ‘Inclusivity Impactivity’ left an indelible impact on all those present as he shared his story of raising his son Rio with all the challenges as a child of determination.

The school also began its Best Buddies program to support and encourage students as they buddy with their peers at the Al Noor Centre of Special Needs. These students will not only be their best buddies but also encourage their families to come together in social settings thereby truly laying the foundations of inclusivity in our society.

Being kind to ourselves and looking after their health and well-being are important lessons for the students to learn. The school has also launched a Nutrition and Fitness Curriculum engaging with Train the Ninja Way, BOUNCE, and Fitbit which fall under this umbrella of HOPE. Parents and students were given an opportunity to be a part of a Nutrition Workshop where the founders of Ninjafit Nutrition – Neha Chohan and Sameer Shaikh threw light on how we can first learn to help ourselves and be kinder to our bodies through healthy eating habits. The Bounce Inc team had trampolines set up and a variety of other sports to encourage parents and students to adopt fitter lifestyles

Jonathan Bramley – Vice-President of Communications, GEMS group addressed the audience and shared his personal experiences on inclusion and the need for the community to gain a better understanding of it. Jonathan said, “Finally, we will continue to be kind to our planet and take the message of sustainability worldwide through our GEMS Global Ambassador Program and our Hub Schools across the world. It doesn’t take much to practice HOPE but it takes mindfulness to be present in every situation wherein we can help others. We want to teach our children more than academic learning. We want to educate their hearts. We need everyone to walk with us together on this journey. It is about developing a generosity of spirit that will stay with our children for the rest of their lives”.

Empathy is not simply a matter of trying to imagine what others are going through but having the will to muster enough courage to do something about it. In a way, empathy is predicated upon hope.