Abu Dhabi: The Authority of Social Contribution – Ma’an has celebrated the accomplishments of the sixth cohort of the “Journey of Generations” (JOG) program with a final walk and boat tour in Yas Bay in Abu Dhabi.
The most recent JOG cohort has created a new milestone for the program because it is run solely by volunteers who help senior citizens rather than by NGOs or other government agencies.
Attended by Ms. Salama Alameemi, the Director General of Ma’an, the event marked the success of an innovative initiative that has enhanced interactions between senior citizens and residents with volunteers from Abu Dhabi through the pandemic and beyond. By serving their community in this way, these volunteers have played a positive and helpful role and provided an example for new volunteers seeking to join the program in the future.
Through JOG, Ma’an has enabled volunteers to run and manage the programme and bring together people of all ages through events across Abu Dhabi’s landmarks. A group of 10 volunteer leaders have led the running of the program and have onboarded a total of 46 volunteers to contribute their time and help enhance the well-being of 45 senior citizens. They also helped organize walks, tours, boat rides and National Day celebrations in various venues including Yas mall, Hudairiyat Island, Jubail Mangrove Park, the National Aquarium, and Al Forsan International Resort, with the events culminating in Yas Bay.
Dr. Mohamed Al Dhaheri, Acting Executive Director of the Community Engagement and Volunteering Sector observed that, “the ‘Journey of Generations’ represents Ma’an’s efforts to catalyse real change by supporting our senior citizens and residents with the help of volunteers. As part of our effort to build a rich and vibrant network of non-profit organizations, foundations, and social enterprises, we have activated volunteering groups to help serve and support Abu Dhabi’s senior citizens and residents by adopting innovative programmes. We would like to encourage more volunteers to work with us to help build cohesive communities, inspire individuals to play an active role in their communities, and encourage personal responsibility.”
The JOG volunteers ensured that each session was followed by engaging and informative talks by specialized volunteers on various topics related to the attending seniors’ health and wellness. The volunteers also secured CSR contributions to enhance the seniors’ experience, including Helping Hands Hospitality to provide refreshments at each walk, a Vox Cinema Hall with snacks for a session of laughter yoga, boat rides, celebratory National Day gifts of gold bracelets for senior women and Alkhet Alabied gents tailoring for ghutra for senior men, and the support of Camping Requisites Trading to provide traditional seating for National Day celebrations.
Launched in 2019, “Journey of Generations” reflects the directives of the UAE leadership regarding the care of senior citizens and residents and the importance of building bridges of communication between them and other segments of society.
By partnering with other government entities, the private sector, the ‘third sector’, and volunteer groups, Ma’an is committed to integrating and supporting all of the Abu Dhabi community. The Authority’s initiatives are already making a profound and positive difference in the lives of hundreds of thousands of individuals including People of Determination, families, senior citizens, orphans, and students.