emirates7 -
-The initiative is being organised by Dr Azam Badar Khan, widely known as Dr Knee, and it aims to teach children empathy, respect and gratitude through real action
Learning compassion does not always come from books or classrooms. Sometimes, it comes from stepping into places we do not usually go and meeting people we do not often see. This Ramadan, 5,000 children in the UAE are preparing to do exactly that.
In about two weeks, children from various schools across the Emirates will spend their evenings in labour camps, helping to organise and distribute iftar meals to workers.
The initiative, now in its eighth year, is being organised by Dr Azam Badar Khan, widely known as Dr Knee. It aims to teach children empathy, respect and gratitude through real action.
“This is not about charity alone. This is about learning compassion early in life. When children serve food with their own hands, they understand people better. They see effort, sacrifice and hard work up close,” said Dr Knee.
During the iftar evenings, children will take part in every step. They will help set up the food spread, organise meal packs and serve food directly to workers. They will also sit with them, listen to their stories and learn about their daily challenges.
“We want children to talk to the workers and hear them. Many of these workers have built the roads, homes and towers we use every day. Children should know who built the city they live in,” said Dr Knee.
The experience goes beyond serving food. Children will pray together with the workers after iftar. They will also help clean the area once the meal is over. Organisers said this is an important part of the lesson.
“Cleaning up after iftar teaches responsibility. It shows that serving does not end when the food is eaten. Respect means leaving the place clean and thanking people for sharing their space with you,” said Dr Knee.
Organisers also said the initiative is carefully planned so children understand why they are there. Before the events, families are briefed, and children are guided on how to interact respectfully.
“We prepare the children mentally,” he said. “We tell them this is not a picnic or a photo moment. This is about humility, kindness and learning to serve quietly.”
Ramadan 2026: Over 5,000 children to distribute workers iftar
Over the years, many children and families have returned again and again. For some, it has become a Ramadan tradition.
“When parents tell me their children ask to come back every year, that is the biggest success,” said Dr Knee. “It means the lesson stayed with them.”
Dr Knee and his team believe that this Ramadan the experience will once again leave a lasting impact not only on those receiving the meals but also on the young hands serving them.
“Even if one child grows up kinder because of this, then we have done something right,” said Dr Knee.
-The initiative is being organised by Dr Azam Badar Khan, widely known as Dr Knee, and it aims to teach children empathy, respect and gratitude through real action
Learning compassion does not always come from books or classrooms. Sometimes, it comes from stepping into places we do not usually go and meeting people we do not often see. This Ramadan, 5,000 children in the UAE are preparing to do exactly that.
In about two weeks, children from various schools across the Emirates will spend their evenings in labour camps, helping to organise and distribute iftar meals to workers.
The initiative, now in its eighth year, is being organised by Dr Azam Badar Khan, widely known as Dr Knee. It aims to teach children empathy, respect and gratitude through real action.
“This is not about charity alone. This is about learning compassion early in life. When children serve food with their own hands, they understand people better. They see effort, sacrifice and hard work up close,” said Dr Knee.
During the iftar evenings, children will take part in every step. They will help set up the food spread, organise meal packs and serve food directly to workers. They will also sit with them, listen to their stories and learn about their daily challenges.
“We want children to talk to the workers and hear them. Many of these workers have built the roads, homes and towers we use every day. Children should know who built the city they live in,” said Dr Knee.
The experience goes beyond serving food. Children will pray together with the workers after iftar. They will also help clean the area once the meal is over. Organisers said this is an important part of the lesson.
“Cleaning up after iftar teaches responsibility. It shows that serving does not end when the food is eaten. Respect means leaving the place clean and thanking people for sharing their space with you,” said Dr Knee.
Organisers also said the initiative is carefully planned so children understand why they are there. Before the events, families are briefed, and children are guided on how to interact respectfully.
“We prepare the children mentally,” he said. “We tell them this is not a picnic or a photo moment. This is about humility, kindness and learning to serve quietly.”
Ramadan 2026: Over 5,000 children to distribute workers iftar
Over the years, many children and families have returned again and again. For some, it has become a Ramadan tradition.
“When parents tell me their children ask to come back every year, that is the biggest success,” said Dr Knee. “It means the lesson stayed with them.”
Dr Knee and his team believe that this Ramadan the experience will once again leave a lasting impact not only on those receiving the meals but also on the young hands serving them.
“Even if one child grows up kinder because of this, then we have done something right,” said Dr Knee.
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