Dubai- A workshop engaging youth in developing innovative volunteering ideas took place at City Walk on February 22, as a part of the UAE Innovation Month activities.
Organised by the General Secretariat of the Executive Council of Dubai in partnership with the Dubai Youth Council, the workshop was held under the title ‘Decode Day for Dubai: Volunteering with a Twist’.
The Day for Dubai initiative is an initiative launched by Shaikh Hamdan Bin Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of The Executive Council of Dubai. The initiative aims to create a volunteering movement across Dubai and integrate it within the lifestyle of the Dubai community by encouraging every resident to make a difference through dedicating at least one day of the year to leverage their talents, skills and passions and give back to the city and the community. The initiative also highlights volunteering as a key cornerstone in the advancement of cities and a pillar in strengthening social cohesion among its members.
“Volunteering should be embedded within one’s lifestyle, and has tremendous effects on society as well as on individuals. With this workshop, we aim to reinforce the culture of volunteer work amongst the youth and encourage them to create volunteering opportunities and activate their participation in the public service domain,” said Maryam Ahmad Al Mansoori, Head of Dubai Youth Council.
The workshop, in which 25 male and female volunteers from the Dubai Youth Council participated, shed light on the Day for Dubai initiative and its role in reinforcing the culture of volunteering amongst members of the community. The workshop saw tremendous participation, where a focused brainstorming session was held to generate 25 innovative volunteering ideas.
Participants were split into five groups, with a focus on key categories of the Day for Dubai initiative including mentoring, education, people of determination, elderly, tolerance and hope, culture and arts, sport and recreation, health, as well as environment and wildlife, among others. The categories adapt volunteering opportunities to the skills of the volunteers, enriching their expertise, provide them with opportunities to learn new skills as well as motivate them to lead a positive lifestyle by creating long-lasting impact on others.
Visitors to the UAE Innovation Month in Dubai receive a chance to witness the latest innovations, interact with innovators and creatives, as well as attend workshops, panels discussions, and innovation labs over a period of 7 days in City Walk.
