Expat group helps crisis-hit find voice

abu dhabi — Some two decades back, a small group of Indian expats came to Abu Dhabi in search of greener pastures of life. They did odd jobs, had low salaries but found time to huddle together daily at a cafeteria and discuss issues faced by common men just like them. Soon the Gulf newbies realised that even with their small jobs and salaries, they were leading a better life than many others. It was then the group started to set aside Dh50 to Dh100 as contribution to help others and thus Green Voice was born.

From paying school fees to taking care of marriage expenses and building homes, the group has been doing social work since then. The members of Green Voice said they have made their way out of the depths and hence understand other people’s problems better.

This Ramadan, the group gave financial assistance to widows. Green Voice has a sub-unit CONFAB, which helps develop life-skills among people doing odd jobs in the UAE. As part of the ‘Year of Zayed’, the group will honour 10 authors who come from poor background or have suffered setbacks in their lives.

Jaffar Thangal, long-time president of the group, said: “Green Voice was a movement born in an Abu Dhabi cafeteria he once worked. Thangal, a resident of Kozhikode district of Kerala, came to Abu Dhabi 20 years back and worked at a cafeteria for 11 years.

“Every day, we would discuss new issues and their solutions. We found that most people had problems back in India and we wanted to step in and offer assistance,” said Thangal, who

We funded education expenses Shasna Liaqat in 2012. Last year, she completed her medical course and is a doctor now. She has now returned the amount to help other students like her.”

Jaffar Thangal, president, Green Voice

currently works as a community affairs manager with a private healthcare group.

The affable 42-year-old says his background in the media and the good rapport he shares with NRI businessmen have always come in handy. Among others, Green Voice has also instituted an EduExcellence Award to recognise the best school and teacher from a constituency in Kerala.

There are many rewarding experiences, said Thangal. “We funded education expenses Shasna Liaqat in 2012. Last year, she completed her medical course and is a doctor now. She has now returned the amount to help other students like her who are in financial crisis. It is such moments which are the best reward for our social work,” Thangal said.

“We don’t have any membership fee or structure. Anyone who wants to serve the society is a member of Green Voice,” said Thangal.