Dubai: Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has given 450 computers to the Donate Your Own Device (DYOD) campaign initiated by the Digital School.
The DYOD campaign aims to collect used electronic devices from individuals, institutions, companies and offices, refurbish and recycle them to support underprivileged students worldwide, enhancing their access to education through digital means, ensuring they have access to high-class education opportunities.
The DYOD campaign seeks to involve the largest number of institutions in supporting students with ten thousand electronic devices, by donating surplus and old computers and electronic devices. Participating institutions will be granted a green contribution certificate in sustainability and recycling.
This marks RTA’s inaugural contribution to the campaign initiated this year to assist students in need by fulfilling their educational requirements, which entails the provision of computers to ensure continued learning. This allows students to keep up with the latest scientific publications and fosters communication between underserved students and teachers.
450 Computers
Rowdah Al Mehrizi, Director of Marketing and Corporate Communication, Corporate Administrative Support Services Sector, RTA, said: “RTA supported the campaign by donating 450 computers, comprising 115 desktops and 335 portable devices, to assist students lacking up-to-date and adequate devices.
“RTA seeks to provide digital infrastructure, which is a fundamental educational tool to enable students to enhance their reading skills, connect with educational platforms, and watch cultural and training programmes.”
Rowdah noted that RTA’s contribution to the campaign underscores its dedication and commitment to support CSR initiatives hosted by various entities. “These initiatives aim to support diverse segments of the community, in line with the corporate values outlined in RTA’s strategic plan for 2023-2030, which highlights collaboration and teamwork,” added Rowdah.
Environmental Goal
“Participating in this initiative also serves an environmental objective, which entails the appropriate disposal of computers and accessories. These devices are viewed as reusable and functional. This environmental goal aligns with UAE’s objectives for the Year of Sustainability, which embodies its commitment to enhancing environmental protection and establishing prosperous communities,” she explained.
Partnership
Rowdah furthe said: “Joining this initiative affirms RTA’s commitment to serving communities and individuals both within and outside the UAE besides supporting charitable efforts. It establishes a collaboration with the Digital School, which offers educational opportunities for students worldwide facing economic hardships that bar them from realising their right to pursue their education.”
She said that the RTA, in 2022, rolled out 47 initiatives that benefited 53 million beneficiaries from diverse segments, encompassing both university and school students. Throughout the years, RTA initiatives provided school buses to students in Uganda and Tanzania, in addition to two classrooms in Egypt, and supplied nine small vehicles along with two buses in Thailand.
Digital education
Through global and local partnerships, the Digital School carried out educational programmes that contributed to offering over 50,000 digital education opportunities across 8 countries. The school is aiming to reach a milestone of 1 million students by the end of 2026.
