Young Leaders Making Big Moves: Sami & Reef
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Meet Sami and Reef, two dedicated student ambassadors from JESS Dubai who are showing what youth-led impact really looks like.
They recently led a school-wide campaign that collected 205 pairs of football shoes for One Kick Away — a massive effort that brought their entire community together in support of children who need them most.
But their efforts didn’t stop there. They brought the campaign to life in Bekaa, Lebanon, where they organized a charity football match and personally distributed shoes to underprivileged children. What started as a school initiative became a cross-border act of service — combining sport, outreach, and awareness in one powerful moment.
Their passion, leadership, and action have directly changed lives — and inspired us all.
Scroll through to witness the journey.
Meet Reef & Sami El Mais
We’re proud to welcome Reef and Sami El Mais as our newest Youth Ambassadors from JESS Dubai. These two passionate young footballers are turning their love for the game into meaningful impact, leading a grassroots movement to ensure every child has the chance to play with confidence and dignity. In just their first day, Reef and Sami collected 10 pairs of football boots—and they’re only getting started. Beyond their school, they’re expanding their efforts across the Dubai community and their football league, organizing donation drives and planning charity matches to connect donors and recipients in inspiring ways. Their leadership, empathy, and energy are already making waves, proving that you’re never too young to lead and never too small to make a difference. Through their initiative, Reef and Sami are not only giving hope to children in need, but also setting an example for peers and parents alike—showing that when passion meets purpose, change begins.
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A young student from the American School of Dubai has been quietly making waves with her selfless acts of kindness. Maha, a compassionate and driven individual, recently emerged as a shining example of generosity, dedicating her time and effort to support One Kick Away.
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Maha's involvement in this noble cause is a testament to the fact that compassion knows no bounds. Her story begins with a simple desire to make a difference. When she learned about the One Kick Away initiative, she took it upon herself to rally her community and gather a substantial collection of football shoes.
In a world where individualism often prevails, Maha's dedication to serving others is truly remarkable. She exemplifies the spirit of community and solidarity that transcends borders. Maha's actions echo the ethos of One Kick Away, where a single act of kindness, symbolized by a pair of football shoes, can become a powerful catalyst for change.
One Kick Away recently had the honor of receiving Maha's generous donation, a heartfelt gesture that will undoubtedly bring joy and opportunities to those less fortunate. The image of Maha holding the collected football shoes is a poignant reminder of the impact that one person, driven by compassion, can have on the lives of many.
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As we celebrate Maha's altruism, it is essential to recognize the potential within each of us to contribute to positive change. Her story serves as an inspiration to the community, encouraging others to think beyond themselves and consider the needs of those who may not have the same privileges.
In the world of charity football, Maha has scored a goal that goes beyond the pitch – a goal that represents hope, compassion, and the belief that we are all, indeed, just One Kick Away from making a difference.
Maha's Compassion Scores Big
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