Dubai kids take up mannequin challenge with a difference

Children of Little Flower English School take up the mannequin challenge, echoing the spirit of tolerance. - Photo by Neeraj Murali

With the latest craze of mannequin challenge sweeping the web world featuring people imitating mannequins and freezing for the camera while music plays in the background, one Dubai school decided to take up the challenge in a meaningful way. They combined the challenge with the great message of tolerance which is a value that is at the very core of the UAE.
On Sunday morning as the clock struck 11, students and teachers of the Little Flower English School donning attires of different nationalities froze for a few minutes with their hands forming the tolerance sign. Many of them stood with placards carrying messages of tolerance such as "We are One", Unity in Diversity, " We believe in peaceful coexistence" and "Say no to racism."
"In solidarity with the efforts of the UAE rulers to promote tolerance among its citizens and residents the students and teachers of our school came up with this unique programme of Mannequin Challenge ," said the school principal Abdulla Kutty.
Sahiya, the headgirl of the school said,:"This is our way of showing the world that we people of the UAE stand for tolerance and peace." Standing at the school entrance was an excited 6th grader dressed as an Egyptian. "Although I am a Pakistani I love the character of Cleopatra and that is why I am dressed up like her," she added.
It was cuteness overloaded as kindergarten students dressed as adults in traditional attires lined up for the challenge. "As the old saying goes, when children are simply told they forget, when they are shown they remember but when they are involved they understand. This will be an unforgettable experience for them and no doubt, last for a lifetime," said Annie Mathew, supervisor, primary department at the school.
saman@khaleejtimes.com