RTA foundation to aid better transport in poor countries
dubai — The Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has announced the establishment of the RTA Foundation, inspired by the initiative of the President, His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, designating 2017 as the ‘Year of Giving’ in the UAE.
Speaking about the foundation, Mattar Al Tayer, director-general and chairman of the board of executive directors of RTA, said: “Launching the foundation stems from the noble values of the UAE advocating the concept of social responsibility and fostering the spirits of solidarity and cooperation among the community members and organisations.”
Through the foundation, the RTA will team up with public and private entities in offering transport-related charitable projects in poor or disadvantaged countries with the aim of positively influencing the standard of living
The foundation will raise funds through an elective donation channel for NOL cardholders and vehicle owners at the time of issuing or renewing their vehicles’ registration, driver licences or taking taxi rides.” Mattar Al Tayer, director-general, RTA
and adding economic benefits to those countries.
“The chief funding source of this foundation is the income generated by the ‘public transport endowment’ that the RTA launched in collaboration with the Mohammed Bin Rashid Global Centre for Endowment Consultancy. The foundation will also raise funds through an elective donation channel for Nol cardholders and vehicle owners at the time of issuing or renewing their vehicles’ registration, driver licences or taking taxi rides.
“The foundation will finance projects and initiatives related to safe transit means of various types in poverty-stricken countries. It will support the education in those countries through easing the mobility of students. Offering such transit means to and from their schools will reduce the school dropout rates due to miserable economic conditions.
“Through the foundation, the RTA will also lend support to the people of determination to enable them to lead an independent life and move easily by donating one wheelchair every month in coordination with the parties concerned. It will also support jobless individuals, fixed income earners and fresh graduates through offering them a training programme. The assistance will also include RTA’s employees experiencing pressing conditions such as the repayment of loans or emergency medical expenses,” said Al Tayer.
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