Children learn best when there is close collaboration between home and school. The GEMS Jewels of Kindness and Respect initiative is a means of encouraging children to think about being kind to their family and peers and the wider community. It’s values-led education in action!
Schools have been sharing examples of their students embodying helpfulness, empathy, compassion and respect. Here are some of the most striking, but there are plenty more online – just search for #GEMSJewelsofKindness

Ayan makes an effort to keep the environment clean by picking up rubbish with his friend

Sinan Faizal helps his mother by tidying up around the house, and he enjoys watering the garden to keep the plants green and healthy

Students gather old toys and clothes to donate to the Emirates Red Crescent charity

KG student Rishit spends Saturday mornings with his parents sharing food and drinks with construction workers near his home

Rhea Murali from Grade 1 was brave and cut her beautiful long hair to donate to cancer patients

Rehan is presented with a Jewels of Kindness & Respect camel for always being polite and kind-hearted

Third grader Chendi is presented with a surprise certificate to reward acts of kindness

Afifa donates almost 200 boxes of food every Friday to the labourers around her mosque and her house

One of the teachers, Mr Alan, lends a hand to the support staff when he’s got free time

Rob volunteered to carry his younger brother on his back when he got tired of walking at the Global Village