Initiative to help low-income students in UAE

The Community Development Authority (CDA) in Dubai and Zayed University (ZU) have signed a memorandum of understanding to launch a social empowerment programme that supports low-income students to complete their studies. The initiative is in line with both the CDA and the University's strategy to enhance cooperation with other organisations in areas of mutual interest, promote education and strengthen corporate social responsibility (CSR). Under the initiative CDA and ZU will collaborate in providing financial assistance to low-income students at the University, thus supporting their academic performance and educational attainment. The programme includes a direct monthly financial assistance to 85 students, names of which will be delivered by ZU, for a period of nine months with a total value of Dh765,000. The assistance will cover computers, transportation allowance and daily meals. Additionally, CDA will register volunteers from students nominated by the Zayed University and monitor their hours of volunteering. Article continues below Volunteers CDA will train the volunteers nominated by ZU to work on ICMS (integrated client management system) and log relevant data of the eligible students before starting to dispense their grants. Khalid Al Kamda, Director-General of CDA, said the authority seeks to empower the youth by providing a high quality programme of social and educational services. Helping and supporting low-income students in their education is a top priority for us as it will enable them to play a crucial role in driving comprehensive growth.