Dubai: Pakistan Association Dubai (PAD) has launched “Own an Hour”, a programme directed at youth to get them involved in the community.
More than 50 students, who have dedicated 100 hours of community service, will be trained through the programme for volunteer work as part of the ongoing “Year of Zayed” celebration, commemorating 100 years since his birth.
“The best way to celebrate the Year of Zayed would be by spreading (Shaikh) Zayed’s glorious human legacy, his inspirational and noble values and to introduce these ideals to new generations.” said Dr Faisel Ikram, president of PAD.
The Own an Hour programme consists of a total of five modules, where each module is further divided into various learning and practical training sessions. The modules are: creative design, web design and development, film and photography, journalism and media and event management.
Programme coordinator Huda Kanwal said that “each module is further divided into two parts; learning 25 hours and practical 75 hours. The module-based training will require volunteers to attend two sessions every month till the completion of the programme”.
Kanwal also said that it is more of an internship programme, and that it is practical for the volunteers participating in tasks and duties for the organisation in concurrence with the module portion of the programme.
Shaikh Hamdan Bin Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Dubai Crown Prince and Chairman of Dubai Executive Council, announced the launch of the ‘Day for Dubai’ initiative. The initiative aims to both solidify social responsibility among its citizens, and reinforce the spirit of volunteerism.
The objective and goal of the Own an Hour Programme correlates well with the initiatives of Day for Dubai, making for a coherent and effective message in involving youth in volunteering.
“I have opted for journalism and film and photography modules and am very pleased to be part of Own an Hour programme. After attending the sessions, I have realised that this platform is not only providing education through experienced professionals but also giving me an opportunity to build my future in a better way,” said Reema Waseem, an undergraduate student of Media Sciences from SZABIST University.
Urooj Qasim, a student from Heriott Watt who attended the creative design and event management module, said: “My first day at PAD was very informative and the programme seems to be very promising.”
Community Development Authority has been extremely supportive in all of PAD’s programmes, which has given them the confidence to launch more innovative projects future.
“Youth is our future and it is upon our shoulders to nurture, support and instill in them the importance of community service,” said Dr Ikram.
