Men studying at Zayed University help collect litter as part of social responsibility project

Students are conducting an action research project where social responsibility is a key skill.

Emirati students pick up litter as part of a project to create a socially and environmentally conscious nation. Fatima Al Marzooqi/ The National

ABU DHABI // Final-year students from Zayed University are encouraging young Emiratis to become more socially responsible.

It is part of an action research project in which social responsibility is a key skill, focusing on preparing the students for life beyond campus.

In January, Dr Connie Van Horne took a group of accounting and human resources students on a desert clean up. The project was the students’ idea, when they noticed the lack of respect shown to their native landscape.

“During the winter, we spend a lot of time in the desert and we’ve all noticed how much litter there is there so we decided to do a clean-up,” said Hamad Al Neyadi, 21, who will graduate soon with a degree in human resources and was one of the team leaders.

They chose a one-kilometre-square spot in Al Ain. Beside a camel farm, in just five minutes, the team found more than 50 tin cans.

“The camel farmer came and thanked us for what we were doing as the litter has an effect on the animals, which can even lead to death,” Mr Al Neyadi said. “It was a special moment because we all felt what we were doing was having an effect. The desert is our homeland so that was an important part of why we chose this project.”

Dr Van Horne said: “The Abu Dhabi 2021 programme really focuses on social responsibility of citizens and a lot of focus is placed on the environment. We wanted this to very much reinforce those ideals.

“These students are all going to be managers and leaders in the future and it’s about leading by example.”

She said she wanted to change stereotypes about Emirati men. The male students have been encouraged to volunteer throughout their time at the university and all are mentoring new students and participating in other projects.

“They will get their hands dirty and continue developing the UAE,” Dr Van Horne said.

Saeed Al Rumaithi, 21, said for the future, the group will petition the municipality to post more signs discouraging people from littering, raising awareness of the issues to those heading to the desert by using stickers on equipment and even fining those who litter as is done in Ras Al Khaimah and Sharjah.

“Social media plays a big part in things like this,” he said. The team has been using Instagram to publicise their project and inspire others.

Ahmed Al Awadhi, an accounting student, said: “This was just one class in one area. Can you imagine the impact of a whole university doing this? It doesn’t cost much, it just needs to be organised.”

The students said such projects make a lasting impact.

“After three years’ studying here, I have become more environmentally conscious, socially aware and responsible, thinking of ways to give back to give back to society like this project,” said Surour Al Muhairi, 21.

“Over the next five to 10 years, there is a heavy emphasis on Emirati youth being responsible wherever they are, so to instil this sense of responsibility into each other, we feel we should set an example,” said Ibrahim Al Hashidi, 19. “Every person should give at least 10 hours giving back within their year.”

Mr Al Neyadi said it was up to citizens to create a better future for the country.

“The UAE’s vision is to have high living standards and a sustainable environment,” he said. “We have the high living standards but the sustainable environment can’t just be done by the government. It’s one of our duties as citizens and residents to contribute and promote this idea of a sustainable environment.”