Another generous UAE initiative

A UAE newspaper has said that the launching of the "Change a Future" initiative, as part of the "Happiness is Giving" campaign by the National Happiness and Positivity Programme, is a creditable step that will certainly help improve the lives of children not only in the UAE but also across the globe.

"There is no joy better than the joy of giving. The UAE is a nation known for its generosity and for years has been extending humanitarian aid to the tune of billions of dollars to help the needy across the globe," said The Gulf Today in an editorial on Wednesday.

A cursory glance at the geographical distribution reveals that the UAE aid helps individuals and the underprivileged regardless of their race, identity, language or religion.

According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, the UAE provided AED32.34 billion in foreign aid during 2015 alone.

The editorial continues, "Incidentally, among the most prominent instances of humanitarian aid was the one allocated to refugees and internally displaced people affected by crises and conflicts.

"On May 25th, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, issued directives to mark the beginning of the Holy Month of Ramadan with great charity projects, in line with the nationwide '#Year of Giving' campaign.

"All sections of the society have a major role to play in making such noble campaigns a success. The "Happiness is Giving" engages the private sector, particularly, the retail sector, shopping centres, retail outlets, and megastores, encouraging organisations to donate to the Emirates Red Crescent, ERC, throughout the month of Ramadan.

"The ERC, in turn, will donate to causes that seek to improve the quality of life for children around the world."

The paper quoted Ohood bint Khalfan Al Roumi, Minister of State for Happiness, as saying that the initiative supports the UAE’s philanthropic policies and fosters partnerships between the public and private sectors to make real change in people’s lives.

As part of the "Happiness is Giving" initiative, the ERC will provide essential vaccinations for polio, smallpox, and measles to children in Somalia, in addition to securing medicines for children in need in Erbil, Iraq. It will also dedicate some of the contributions to furnish schools for refugees built by the UAE in Greece, in addition to providing prescription glasses for students.

"What is heartening," the editorial concludes, "is that President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan's declaration of 2017 as the national Year of Giving has taken generosity to an unparalleled level."