Giving back to society innovatively
abu dhabi — A group of 10 employees of the Crown Prince Court has come together to launch an organisation that seeks to strengthen volunteerism while promoting tolerance, national pride and unity.
Al Bayt Mitwahid Association (ABM), which was launched in 2012, is a national campaign that strives to give back to the community. Designated as a federal organisation in 2014, ABM, which translates to “our home is united”, provides an open platform for individuals and organisations to give back to the society via initiatives, events, partnerships and materials that address key community needs, Alanoud Al Mahdi, vice-chairwoman of the executive committee of ABM, told Khaleej Times.
“Since its establishment, ABM has continuously engaged with various communities throughout the UAE to help give back; having created or participated in over 50 community-driven events and initiatives across the emirates, engaging with over 130 volunteers,” said Al Mahdi. In addition to the development of events and initiatives, ABM published several books encouraging youngsters to learn more about their nation and be proud of their heritage. The books include Journey of The Union, The Union: 43 Years On and 45 Reasons To Be Proud. Al Mahdi said the employees have developed various initiatives in the past six years, which focus solely on building the community and lending a helping hand to one-another.
Initiatives for the community
Al Mahdi said that a total of 27 initiatives were implemented across the UAE since the organisation’s inception. “The initiatives focus on the pillars of unity, social groups’ empowerment, healthy living, STEM and Innovation.
“The target is the UAE community of all backgrounds — youth, elderly and people of determination,” she said. “Our initiatives consist of two main things: developing programmes and building assets, in addition to participating in several activities and events throughout the year. All while ensuring the impact and sustainability of our initiatives.” One of the many initiatives was the construction of a 4,000sqm park in Ras Al Khaimah. The family-friendly park consists of five main areas, eight different facilities, a 350-metre walkway and a 510sqm area for celebrations and activities. The ABM also developed the 360,000sqm fish reserve in Dhahna, Fujairah, in collaboration with the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment.
The fish reserve encourages environment-friendly fishing techniques, boosting the presence of fish by setting up feeding areas and installing hundreds of reef balls that were implanted with coral.
The group also organised the ‘Rising Stars’ football camp for students in last three years. More than 1,500 students in the age group of 6-14 participated in the 11-week camp, overseen by Manchester City Football Schools.
Another initiative is the ‘Journey of the Union,’ which gave students a 10-day journey through the seven emirates, including visiting landmarks and historical sites, aiming to increase their knowledge of the UAE. The association also launched ‘That’s My Hero’ digital campaign to promote unity in the community, by encouraging members of the society to help others and nominate their heroes on social media.
Current projects
Al Mahdi said the association is currently working on various initiatives and projects, including the ‘Jusoor’ programme, which works in partnership with Sandooq Al Watan and Khayarat. The project has so far received more than 300 applications. As part of the programme, 50 of 100 participants have been placed in prominent private sector companies.
Al Mahdi noted that 97 per cent of the participants stated that they are more inclined to work in the private sector as a result on the initiative. Meanwhile, the team is also working on another asset-related initiative, dubbed: ‘Innovation Hub Powered by Google’.
The initiative includes creating four interactive spaces to allow students to become motivated, innovative and driven. The 554sqm spaces include a community space, space maker, application factory, as well as a machine learning space, which provides students with knowledge about the latest machines to develop their own projects. The hub is also the first of its kind in the Middle East and each space can hold up to 120 students per day, while also training
What is unique about the ABM is that the initiatives are always a response to a need, whether that of a group of individuals or a collective community.” Alanoud Al Mahdi, vice-chairwoman of the executive committee of ABM
over 210 students. Al Mahdi said the association is also working on the ‘Future Scientists’ programme, which is a hands-on initiative that includes site visits and workshops for students.
The programme includes providing 21 young Emiratis over one year of aerospace training, as well as two weeks in Toulouse and Hamburg, at the Airbus headquarters.
Upcoming initiatives include a walkway and cycling track in Abu Dhabi, to encourage an active and healthier lifestyle. “What is unique about the ABM is that the initiatives are always a response to a need, whether that of a group of individuals or a collective community,” she said.
People across the UAE are welcome to provide ideas and community initiatives by emailing info@ albaytmitwahid.ae
jasmine@khaleejtimes.com