Abu Dhabi, February 28, 2009: As part of its commitment to inculcate the GEMS core values of World Citizenship, Universal Values, Leadership Qualities and Forward Thinking, GEMS American Academy (GAA) - Abu Dhabi hosted a Black-Tie Fundraiser event at the Beach Rotana Hotel & Towers.

The event is part of a year-long commitment by the students of GAA to help furnish a brand new village school in an impoverished community in Zanzibar, with desks, washroom and ablution facilities. Once open, the teachers and learning materials for the school will be provided by the Government of Zanzibar.

"The school project in Zanzibar was an ideal initiative to instill the values of world citizenship, universal values and leadership qualities in our students," said Jason McBride, Principal and Head of School at GAA. "Part of our school's mission is to help students make a difference in the lives of others and this project has fulfilled the objective in a meaningful way."

To assess the possibilities for assistance, a diplomatic delegation from the Government of Zanzibar visited GAA to meet with the students and administration. Since that time, GAA's students have been hard at work hosting a number of fundraising activities from bake sales and pyjama days to crazy hair and free dress days. All of these events culminated in a parent-led Black Tie event. The evening, which included a silent auction, toppled the project's fundraising scales by weighing in at around AED 81,500.

"For a small school of less than 300 students to raise AED 81,500 is a testament of the hard work of our students and staff and the generosity of the GAA community. I am delighted that we could make such a huge difference to the village school almost 4,000 kilometres away," added McBride.    

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About GEMS Education:
GEMS manages a growing network of nearly 100 high quality international schools around the world. GEMS network of schools provide a unique brand of holistic education to 85,000 students from over 124 countries, employing over 6,200 education professionals, specialists and staff from over 50 nationalities. Supported by a network of eminent, international advisors in the field of education, GEMS global network of multi-skilled specialists and in-house experts provide invaluable support and guidance in all areas related to schools, delivering world class standards of education. 'GEMS Education' offers total school management solutions. From project inception and planning to ongoing operations of schools, GEMS offers a total solutions approach to the management of new school projects and existing schools. Information on the company and its portfolio can be found at www.gemseducation.com.

For more information, please contact:
Hiba Al Hafidh/Sara Hamam
ASDA'A Burson- Marsteller
P O Box 28063, Dubai, UAE
Tel: (971 4) 3344550
Fax: (971 4) 3344556
h.alhafidh@asdaa.com/s.hamam@asdaa.com

© Press Release 2009