Friday, June 26, 2015

Orphans are a Priority

The Higher Committee for "The UAE Initiative for Connection with Orphans and Minors" has set up a team from stakeholders to coordinate implementation of various activities of the initiative, launched by Vice President and Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum to build the UAE global model in caring for orphans and minors.

The Committee, in its first meeting, reviewed details of the initiative and the implementing plan which comprises activities 
that support various options of the initiative. The Committee took stock of the current state of affair of orphans and minors 
in national institutions, challenges facing the sector and relevant proposed mechanisms to address them. Also discussed were participation and support of a group of government entities to the initiative.

The Higher Committee has facilitated procedures enabling individuals and families to volunteer to help this section of the populace.
Emirati individuals and families from across the country can log onto the website of the Awqaf and Minors Affairs Foundation to register their details.

Mohammad bin Abdullah Al Gargawi, Minister for Cabinet Affairs, and also Chairman of the initiative's Higher Committee, 
said that, '' We have sensed enthusiastic turn out from volunteers in the first days of the initiative. In the next phase, the first batch of volunteers will be selected based on their academic, professional and ethical merits so as to contribute towards enhancement of social and developmental progress of orphans and minors.'' 

His Highness Shaikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, UAE Vice-President and Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, launched the new initiative last Friday, with the aim to fulfil the needs of these segments at multiple levels through a various alternatives, involving individuals and families interested in taking part in the effort.

The initiative provides three options for young Emiratis willing to contribute towards caring for orphans and minors.

These include fraternal connections to provide guidance and good advice, taking care of orphaned and minor students for a certain number of class hours, and setting up common interest groups to engage orphans and minors in activities like swimming and biking.

Interested families wishing to take part in the initiative also have three options.
1. A family can either regularly host an orphan or a minor for half a day to provide them with a friendly family atmosphere.
2. A group of interested families can regularly meet with a group of orphans or minors at public places.
3. Fathers and mothers can volunteer to be guardians of orphans and minors whereby they can contact their schools to follow up on their performance.
Elderly people can also contribute to the initiative either through connecting with orphans and minors at senior care homes or acting as grandfathers.

–End-


Image by: WAM

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