Volunteers of all nationalities in the UAE called on to play their part

The call to action from the Community Development Authority intends to spark community spirit, with the welfare group keen for Arabic and non-Arabic speakers to take part in social initiatives.

Left, Hana Al Harthi, the director of the social cohesion department, speaks to volunteer Aisha Al Hammadi. Antonie Robertson / The National

DUBAI // Emiratis and expatriates have been urged to become companions to the elderly, and volunteer for National Day, New Year’s functions or blood donation drives.

The Community Development Authority wants to tap into community spirit and is keen for Arabic and non-Arabic speakers to take part in social initiatives.

Meetings on national identity, traditional gatherings or majlises for children will be held next year for public girls’ schools after a successful programme this year with male pupils.

“We are setting the foundation and bridging the gap between communities,” said Hana Al Harthi, director of the CDA’s social cohesion department.

“We are not only targeting them to understand the UAE national identity and culture but we are also aiming to improve their sense of belonging here.

“You can have loyalty to your mother country, keep your roots strong but also get to know the people you live with. How many years will you spend in another country and not know why those people act or react in a certain way?

“We also emphasise the similarity between human beings and talk about peace, a welcoming environment and belonging.”

National identity meetings have been held in the CDA majlis in Rashidiya, Dubai, for the Pakistani, Sri Lankan and Indian communities, inviting people through registered social clubs.

The interactive sessions include questions on whether the abaya is restrictive and when the bisht – the gold-trimmed robe worn over the kandoora – should be worn.

“My response is we have so many ministers who are ladies and they still wear abayas,” Ms Al Harthi said. “If the sport does not require our athletes to take off their abayas, they will still wear it.

“We talk about how the black and gold bisht is the most traditional and how it is related to high status, worn for official occasions and weddings. We also talk about what makes the UAE.

“The sessions are open to all. We hold it in the majlis to give a practical experience of the hospitality, environment and seating.”

Anong the programmes that need volunteers is Waleef, Arabic for “companion”, which encourages residents to check on elderly neighbours who may live alone or with domestic help.

Volunteers can escort them on shopping trips, or take them to government centres and appointments with doctors.

“They just need someone to pass by and make sure they are well,” Ms Al Harthi said. “Think of it as visiting an elderly family member who used to do things independently but now needs you to help them out.”

Abubaker Eltoum, a government official in housing, is working on a PhD on the state’s role in sustainability and social responsibility. He is also volunteer.

Mr Eltoum believes the community must help those who cannot afford services, from basic medical checks to childcare.

“People with expertise can give time and knowledge,” he said. “But it’s not just doctors and engineers, we need anyone willing to do something that will otherwise cost money.

“A housewife can volunteer to take the children of another woman to the nursery. This will help that lady get to work because maybe she is divorced or her husband is dead, and she cannot afford to pay people to look after her kids.”

Residents who cannot speak Arabic can still help, Ms Al Harthi said.

“There will always be some hesitation but you will never know unless you try. I do believe all nationalities can participate.”

Jay Vasudevan, a businessmen who teaches yoga to workers, said expatriates would readily sign up.

“If the CDA welcomes people from other nationalities and communities, I think people would definitely be interested because for volunteering language, caste or creed should not matter,” he said.

For more information, visit cda.gov.ae/en.