Back in 2007, the Emirates Foundation formed Takatof. It is not a charity per se, but rather a volunteer service. It was designed for young Emiratis as a means to get them more involved in the community, but anyone in the UAE can apply. Since it began, 8,000 registered volunteers have taken part in schemes under the guidance of Takatof, from beach clean-ups to village renovations abroad.
During the holy month, however, their attentions turn to helping those closer to home. ‘We try to focus on the less fortunate. We spend time with them, get to know their needs,’ explains Maytha Al Habsi, Takatof programme director. The work is done mostly in the northern emirates in suburbs and small communities away from the UAE’s more built-up areas. ‘The volunteers visit many families, communicate with them and try to find solutions for their most urgent needs. We also give them food coupons to support them during the holy month of Ramadan,’ says Maytha.
What’s surprising is the recipients of these attentions: while Takatof’s gaze now covers a number of nationalities in the UAE, the Ramadan project was initially set up to help Emirati families. While the government does its best to take care of nationals, things aren’t always that easy. ‘From our survey findings, we discovered that these families’ conditions arose, not because they didn’t have money, but because they don’t have enough knowledge on planning their finances and expenditures. Therefore, we try to help them by raising their awareness about this issue through educational training,’ adds Maytha.
Mohammed Al Mesmari, 23, is a student at the Higher College of Technology and a regular Takatof volunteer. He saw a different side of the UAE when he took part in last year’s Ramadan survey and was surprised by what he discovered. ‘Some didn’t have high incomes, others depended solely on their mothers due to the father passing away. There were serious cases where a lot of the families were very poor. But it is the Arab way and people won’t say, or are too shy to let anyone know about their situation.’
Through sitting and talking with the community, volunteers gain, not only information, but trust. ‘Being a part of that society, it helps to get through to them,’ says Mohammed. ‘I feel that, from my side, we have a lot of facilities in the city and you just don’t notice those kinds of neighbourhoods, but they are only 30km from the town.’
Takatof is not a charity, but it does have links to UAE charities: the names of the people visited are offically registered to receive aid. Takatof helps to ensure that the funds it receives are put to the best use. ‘Sometimes it’s a case of helping people to help themselves; sometimes we try to help them find jobs or training through our partners in the more desperate cases,’ Maytha admits.
In serious cases they follow up the initial survey work with positive action. ‘In the past, volunteers undertook some maintenance work for houses in bad conditions. We’ve done everything from painting walls to placing new furniture. When we have a private donor, we hold these activities on a larger scale, which usually involves contractors assisting on more technical tasks.’
With the Ramadan volunteer scheme, places are largely restricted to Arabic speakers. The purpose is to get information and share it with charities so that those in need can get the best help. But, outside of this, there are plenty of chances for people to volunteer for everything from school renovations to working with disabled children. There are even opportunities to volunteer abroad and help villages in Morrocco. The way to help is to get involved, and what better time to start than in the month of charity?
For more information on volunteering at Takatof, visit www.takatof.ae/english, or call 800 825 2863
Year of the volunteer
Volunteer in Abu Dhabi (Facebook)
Canadian Ryan Rowe has started running a volunteer group here in the city. Based on Facebook, it now has over 500 members. It is basically a resource for local charities and non-profit organisations to tap into when they have a need for volunteer assistance. They are trying to spread the word at the moment and attract the last few hold-outs not currently Facebooking in the UAE. Contact Ryan on 050 813 7328 to get involved.
Foster an animal
Cat cuddlers and dog walkers are required respectively at Strays of Abu Dhabi (050 130 7392) and Feline Friends (050 582 2916). The rewards are doled out in purrs and wagging tails. What more could any self-respecting volunteer want?
Future Centre
Abu Dhabi’s Future Centre is designed to help students with special needs develop the skills they need for life. It is always on the lookout for volunteers when term restarts, whether as classroom assistants or activity supervisors. Call 02 666 0923 to see how you can get involved.
Visit www.timeoutabudhabi.com for 25 ways you can volunteer in the UAE
