Rotary Club of Jumeirah and Interact @ DIA Empower Literacy Through Book Drive

In a shining example of Rotary’s “Service Above Self,” the Rotary Club of Jumeirah (RCJ), in collaboration with its sponsored Interact Club at Dubai International Academy (DIA) Emirates Hills, successfully completed a book drive initiative supporting the libraries of the National Charity School in Dubai.

The project, which began in May 2025 to mark Rotary Youth Service Month and concluded in September during Rotary’s Basic Education and Literacy Month, reflects the seamless partnership between Rotary and its youth programs. The parents at the DIA school, collected around 800 gently used Arabic and English books, all in excellent condition, to help enrich the learning resources available to underprivileged students.

At the school level, the initiative was led by Saba Nasser, the Primary School Parent Representative, and Nick Taylor, Community Lead at DIA Emirates Hills, with the support of the Interact Club in DIA and the DIA Action Ambassadors who mobilized their classmates to collect books across the school community.

Within the Interact Club, the leadership transition showcased true continuity and mentorship in action. Immediate Past President Aanya Vora coordinated the initiative before handing it over to the incoming team — President Adit and Vice Presidents Tara and Arnav — who carried it forward under the guidance of Rtn Dr. Basel Radwan, RCJ Vice President and Youth Service Chair, and Rtn PP Musa Alsadoon, RCJ Local Community Service Chair.

The handover took place at the National Charity School in the presence of Rtn President Albert Alterjman, who joined the school management team to complete the official delivery. The school expressed heartfelt gratitude for the contribution, noting that these books will have an immediate and lasting impact on their students’ learning journey.

This initiative exemplifies how Rotary’s Youth Service programs build leaders and sustain community projects. The Rotary Club of Jumeirah’s Youth Service Committee continues to guide and mentor its Interact and Rotaract clubs, ensuring their leadership and service projects grow stronger each year in alignment with Rotary International’s vision for integrated, youth-led community impact.

Once again, the youth of Interact @ DIA have demonstrated that with guidance, compassion, and teamwork, young leaders can move mountains — one book at a time.

Article written by:Rtn Dr Basel Radwan

VP & Youth Service Chair, Rotary Club of Jumeirah 2025-2026

Interact Country Officer, UAE 2025-2026