Emirates empowers Mauritius youth with upcycled backpacks on Independence Day
Donation strengthens inclusive education efforts and supports children with learning needs
DUBAI – Emirates has reinforced its long-standing commitment to community development in Mauritius with a donation aimed at supporting education and inclusion.
The Dubai-based airline presented 100 limited-edition school backpacks to students supported by the Association des Parents d’Enfants Inadaptés de l’Île Maurice (APEIM), a leading organisation dedicated to assisting children and young people with intellectual disabilities.
The gesture reflects a broader effort by the airline to empower youth through practical support, education, and skill-building initiatives.
The donation was marked during Mauritius’ Independence Day celebrations, adding symbolic significance to the occasion and bringing together community leaders, educators, and students.
Community focus
APEIM plays a vital role in Mauritius by offering specialised education, therapy, and vocational training programmes designed to help young people develop essential life skills. Its work centres on fostering confidence, independence, and social integration, enabling beneficiaries to actively participate in society. The organisation’s approach aligns with a wider national focus on inclusion and equal opportunity, particularly for individuals with special needs.
The donated backpacks were part of Emirates’ ‘Aircrafted by Emirates’ initiative, a sustainability-driven programme that transforms materials from retired aircraft interiors into useful products.
Each bag is crafted using repurposed seat fabric sourced from aircraft such as the Airbus A380 and Boeing 777. These materials are carefully treated and handcrafted into durable school bags at Emirates Engineering in Dubai, ensuring both quality and sustainability.
Sustainable initiative
The backpacks distributed in Mauritius were not only environmentally conscious but also thoughtfully prepared for students’ daily needs. Each bag was filled with essential school supplies, including pencils, notebooks, storybooks, and drawing books. This added element ensured that students could immediately benefit from the donation, supporting their learning journey in a practical way.
Emirates’ global ‘Aircrafted by Emirates’ initiative has already seen more than 3,700 backpacks donated across 10 countries. The programme has been implemented in partnership with 18 non-governmental organisations, providing tangible educational resources to children across Africa, Asia, and the Middle East. By repurposing aircraft materials, the initiative also reduces waste while giving a second life to components that once formed part of the airline’s fleet.
Community engagement
The donation event was attended by H.E. Mr Dharambeer Gokhool, President of the Republic of Mauritius, who expressed appreciation for Emirates’ continued support. He highlighted the broader impact of such initiatives, noting their role in strengthening social well-being alongside economic development. His remarks underlined the importance of solidarity and collaboration in fostering a more inclusive society.
The Emirates team, led by Oomar Ramtoola, Manager for the Indian Ocean Islands, personally engaged with students, teachers, and caregivers at APEIM during the presentation. The team took part in distributing the backpacks, interacting with students, and celebrating their efforts in education. This direct engagement added a personal dimension to the initiative, strengthening the connection between the airline and the local community.
Jocelyne Beesoon, Director of APEIM, emphasised the significance of partnerships in advancing the organisation’s mission. She highlighted the importance of promoting inclusion, autonomy, and the rights of children with intellectual disabilities. According to her, each child deserves the opportunity to learn, grow, and feel valued within their community. The donated backpacks, she noted, represent more than school supplies, serving as symbols of encouragement and recognition for the children.
Longstanding presence
Emirates has been operating flights to Mauritius since 2002, maintaining a strong presence in the island nation for over two decades. Through its extensive global network of more than 150 destinations, the airline plays a key role in connecting Mauritius to international markets. This connectivity supports the country’s tourism sector while also contributing to economic growth through job creation and local business opportunities.
Over the years, Emirates has contributed to the development of Mauritius through its operations, supporting supply chains and fostering partnerships with local stakeholders. Its continued engagement reflects a broader commitment to the communities it serves, extending beyond aviation into social and environmental initiatives.
The ‘Aircrafted by Emirates’ programme exemplifies this approach, combining sustainability with social impact by transforming retired materials into meaningful resources for education.