Etihad Airways helps renovate two schools in Kenya

Etihad Airways has helped renovate two schools in Kenya as part of the airline's annual charity fundraising in cooperation with the UAE Red Crescent.

Then news was announced during the closing ceremony of the World Aviation Football Cup and the Food & Fashion Festival, organised by Etihad Airways’ Sports and Social Committee, which also saw the airline raise funds for the ‘We Care Yemen” campaign.

The football teams of 28 international airline and aviation groups participated in the event, which included a wide range of activities. Etihad Airways provided prizes of a safari package to Kenya for the first winner and also for the runner-up.

Khaled Al Mehairbi, Etihad Airways’ senior vice president government and aero political affairs, who also serves as chairman of the Sports and Social Committee, said: “As the UAE’s national airline, we are pleased to reaffirm our commitment to society and give back to those in need. We are delighted to collaborate with the UAE Red Crescent to serve and support these causes.

“We extend our thanks to our guests, sponsors and suppliers who participated in the generous fund raising programs during 2015 in support of those in need. Collectively, we have given a glimmer of hope and the chance of a better future to our brothers and sisters in Kenya."

The opening ceremony was led by the UAE National Deaf Youth Orchestra. The show also included performances by Salah the Entertainer, the winner of Arabs Got Talent 2015, Hamza Hawaswi, the winner of X Factor 2015, and the American singer, Dynasty. A kids’ ballet show by Abu Dhabi-based Fusion Arts was another highlight of the event.

The airline’s initiatives to support Kenya is part of an earlier agreement on humanitarian and social cooperation between Etihad Airways and Emirates Red Crescent.

The community event was attended by Her Excellency Khadija Issa Yusuf, Kenyan Ambassador to the UAE,