Singapore trip to encourage Emirati orphans’ creativity in Dewa initiative

Dewa is preparing to send a team of 20 Emirati students to Singapore under a pioneering entrepreneurship programme. Wam

Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (Dewa) is sending 20 Emirati orphans to Singapore for one week to encourage their creativity and entrepreneurial skills as part of its Ruwad initiative.

The 20 high schoolers pupils will leave for Singapore on Friday accompanied by staff from Dewa, the Awqaf and Minors Affairs Foundation, and Injaz UAE.

Injaz is an organisation that aims to build bridges between schools, colleges and the private sector.

The Ruwad team will work with Singaporean students to swap ideas and take part in competitions that develop creative.

Saeed Al Tayer, chief executive of Dewa, met the students – most of whom are secondary school pupils – and urged them to make the most of their experience.

“At Dewa, we consider young people to be the driving force for building a brighter future. We also consider it necessary to engage young people in achieving sustainable development,” Mr Al Tayer said. “Today’s youth are tomorrow’s leaders who will play a key role in decision making at all levels.”

The programme also includes a visit to General Electric’s innovation centre. That will be followed by a visit to elderly care centres as part of Ruwad’s emphasis on broadening the scope of its participants activities.

By encouraging youth, Mr Al Tayer said, the UAE is better able to harness their creativity.

Khaled Al Thani, deputy secretary general of the Awqaf and Minors Affairs Foundation, said: “Phase two of the Ruwad programme in Singapore will train the students on creativity and innovation. They will have the chance to review international programmes and benefit from world-class social experiences.”

The Ruwad initiative was launched by Dewa last month.