Emirates Foundation's ‘Takatof' Volunteers Honor the Elderly in the UAE

Abu Dhabi, UAE, 24 August 2013: Emirates Foundation, an independent organization set up by the Government of Abu Dhabi to facilitate public-private funded initiatives to improve the welfare of people across the UAE, recently organized an entertainment day with the elderly at Mazaya Mall, Dubai, as part of Emirates Foundation's Takatof Program. This program is designed to create a culture of volunteering throughout the United Arab Emirates and to promote the concept of social responsibility and public service among the youth.

Ms. Maytha Al Habsi, Chief Program Officer at Emirates Foundation for Youth Development, commented: “It is a great opportunity to work with our volunteers to strengthen the concept of social engagement, especially when honoring the elderly of the UAE who have contributed toward building our country and safeguarding our culture and heritage.” 

She added: “Such events were designed with the objective of instilling in our youth the devotion and commitment to give back to their society and to help the generations that preceded them and those who will follow in ways that will strengthen the bonds of the society in the UAE.”

Over 73 volunteers from all across the UAE took part in a journey that was filled with exciting activities for the elderly and served more than 400 volunteering hours. Some of the activities embodied hena drawing, poetry readings, in addition to story sessions, presented by the elderly and aimed at enriching the youths' knowledge of their heritage and history.

With the successful completion of this event, Emirates Foundation will continue to promote volunteerism and encourage social enterprises to work in unison with its development programs, in order to drive for the betterment of the UAE society.