Education is a powerful tool for change. To help India’s education reforms, Emirates, the world’s largest international airline, has donated special backpacks and school supplies to the Smile Foundation, a leading non-profit in India. The initiative aims to support underprivileged children and promote equal learning opportunities.
The backpacks come from Emirates’ ‘Aircrafted by Emirates’ collection. They are made from upcycled materials from retired Airbus A380 and Boeing 777 planes. Each bag is handcrafted in the airline’s workshops, combining durability, sustainability, and style.
Inside the backpacks, students will find essential stationery, books, and hygiene products like sanitizers and soap. Emirates also included culturally relevant books to make learning more engaging.
Mohammad Sarhan, Emirates’ Vice President for India, said, “Education is a fundamental right. We want every child, no matter their background, to have the tools they need to learn and succeed.”
He added that the partnership with Smile Foundation aligns with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goal 4—ensuring quality education for all.
The Smile Foundation has been working for over 20 years to help disadvantaged children. Santanu Mishra, Co-founder & Executive Trustee, said, “Education unlocks a child’s potential and strengthens the nation. We thank Emirates for supporting our mission.”
This donation is part of Emirates’ larger sustainability efforts. So far, the airline has upcycled over 50,000 kg of materials from 191 aircraft. Similar donations have been made in Bangladesh and Pakistan, with 700 backpacks distributed across Asia. In Africa, over 1,239 backpacks have been given to local communities.
By repurposing old aircraft materials into school supplies, Emirates is not only reducing waste but also helping children build a brighter future. This initiative reflects the airline’s commitment to education, sustainability, and global community support.
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