All about Takatof by Emirates Foundation
When it comes to volunteering in the UAE, the Emirates Foundation with its plethora of voluntary programmes is a name to reckon with. One of its most successful programs is Takatof – a prominent initiative launched to enhance the scope of volunteering in the UAE.
Today, we look at the mission, objectives, initiatives, impact and achievements of Emirates Foundation Takatof in the UAE and beyond. The Takatof organisation is known for providing targeted opportunities for young people that instils the significance of community service and commitment to social responsibility, integrity and other Emirati values in them.
WHAT IS TAKATOF BY EMIRATES FOUNDATION?
His Highness the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, founding father and the former President of the UAE once said,
“We each owe the UAE a great deal, and I call on all our young people to make their own commitment. Our country deserves the best that we can give it. Giving back to society is something that brings out the best in every one of us.”
Volunteering and giving back to the community is a general as a way of life in the UAE. These valuable traits have helped to build a stronger, closely-knit society that stands together against all odds.
The Takatof Programme enhances the idea of giving back and serving the community and works to shed light on the societal benefits of volunteering.
Emirates Foundation’s Takatof initiative is the brainchild of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces. It was launched in 2007 with the aim to bring people and resources together and to find effective, sustainable solutions that bring about a positive change in society.
The programme operates on three core values.
- Commitment to community service and social responsibility
- Maintaining strict adherence to ethics and integrity in all matters
- Being involved in community building
VOLUNTARY TAKATOF PROJECTS AND PROGRAM
Takatof Emirates Foundation has launched several projects since its inception to enable the country’s youth to participate in initiatives that serve societies inside and outside the country. Most Takatof UAE projects are divided into 9 categories.
HEALTH PROJECTS
The Takatof Social Volunteer Program organises different health-related initiatives such as medical camps and free health check-ups provided by volunteer doctors.
SPORTS PROJECTS
The Takatof sports projects allow volunteers to participate in the organisation and management of various sporting events held at the country level.
WORKERS’ PROJECTS
These projects encourage the involvement of volunteers in activities that allow them to take on social responsibility and serve the community in the country. Their main activities include the distribution of basic necessities to the workers.
CHILDREN’S PROJECTS
Serving the less-fortunate children, these Takatof projects involve fun, recreational activities to spread joy.
PEOPLE OF DETERMINATION PROJECTS
Takatof projects for the people of determination provide volunteers with an opportunity to work with and integrate the differently abled people into meaningful activities.
ENVIRONMENTAL PROJECTS
Aimed at spreading awareness among young people about the environment, these projects involve undertakings to ensure environmental protection and conservation.
EDUCATIONAL PROJECTS
These are educational volunteering projects that give volunteers a chance to moderate reading and writing sessions to educate students.
PROJECTS FOR ORPHANS
These Takatof projects include especially designed activities and initiatives to help volunteers interact and get involved with orphans in the country.
ELDERLY CARE PROJECTS
These projects are based on bridging the generation gap. Takatof volunteers signed up for the elderly care program, make regular visits to care centres to spend time with and listen to the elderly.
PAST EVENTS AND ACHIEVEMENTS
Takatof by Emirates Foundation has made a positive impact on the local community. For the past five years, the organisation has helped thousands of youngsters connect with the community and give back to it by volunteering their time and efforts.
JACKET DISTRIBUTION CAMPAIGN
Takatof organised the “Jacket Project” campaign in response to the call by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai. This campaign aimed at providing care and support to various categories of workers in the country.
It initially began as an idea from one of the RAK volunteers, which later gained traction as volunteers from other emirates joined forces to distribute warm clothes to workers to protect them from the cold weather.
YOUTH INITIATIVE TO CELEBRATE THE NATIONAL DAY
This initiative launched by the Takatof Program aims to enhance loyalty and belonging to the state. Under this initiative, the group has revived the concept of annual parties on the National Day with entertainment that includes national musical performances, poetry recitation and the national anthem. The volunteers give gifts and candy bars decorated with the colours of the Emirati flag to visitors and tourists.
FORMULA 1 PROJECT
For the fifth time in a row, more than 480 volunteers from the Takatof Program participated in the organisation of the Etihad Airways Formula 1 Grand Prix race – one of the grandest annual events in Abu Dhabi. Among other things, the volunteers distributed first aid kits and safety equipment to various work sites for this grand event.
TAKATOF PROJECT FOR INTERNATIONAL VOLUNTEERING IN TANZANIA
20 volunteers from the Takatof Program participated in an international volunteering project that was implemented in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. The volunteers worked to maintain 6 classrooms in one school, install furniture and provide 100 classrooms in other schools. The project also included 10 volunteers from Tanzania as well.
TUSCALOOSA: RELIEF AFFECTED BY THE HURRICANE
Twelve volunteers from the Emirates Foundation went to the USA to participate in relief activities for the victims of a devastating hurricane that struck the city of Tuscaloosa in Alabama. This initiative was launched in cooperation with the UAE embassy in Washington, and the volunteers succeeded in maintaining, restoring and rebuilding the houses that were affected by the hurricane.
VOLUNTEER AT TAKATOF
There are plenty of Takatof volunteer activities available for young people to consider. These initiatives and activities keep changing to adapt better to the ongoing situation in the UAE and the rest of the world.
Anyone who wants to volunteer for Takatof Abu Dhabi and Dubai can register online for their preferred programme via the Takatof organisation’s website.
For any further information about Takatof and their ongoing initiatives and volunteering opportunities in the UAE, it is best to call on the Takatof contact number +971-2+698-8600. You can also drop them an email at info@takatof.ae.
This brings us to the end of this post on Takatof by Emirates Foundation. Volunteering activities are a great way to give something back to the community.
You can also find other volunteering opportunities in Dubai where you get a chance to make people’s lives better. Even if you can’t volunteer, there are places to donate used items in Dubai where you can give away your preloved items to bring joy to others.
Similarly, there are charity organisations in Sharjah that work towards bringing a positive change in the society.
Joining the charities in Abu Dhabi will give you a chance to reach out to the community that needs your helping hands to do better in life.
