Covid: First batch of Emirati Hope Makers graduates

The Hope Makers Development Program today graduated its first cohort of young Emirati hope makers.

Covid-19 served as a live technical training and direct field experience in humanitarian, community, and relief work. The global pandemic, with all its health, social, and economic repercussions, served as a learning ground on how to swiftly develop innovative initiatives in response to crises.

The programme was launched in February 2020 under the directives of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai.

In his address to the graduating class, Mohammed Abdullah Al Gergawi, Minister of Cabinet Affairs and Secretary General of the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Initiatives (MBRGI), said: "We can make 2021 a turning point in the future of humanitarian work, through highlighting the corporate aspect of it and developing Emirati talent that is capable of leading it.

"This will advance the UAE’s key role in responding to global crises and contribute to the nation’s pioneering status in the field of humanitarian work."

Al Gergawi lauded the first graduating cohort of the Hope Makers Development Program and the momentum they achieved through their work supporting the nation’s initiatives in response to crises. He called on them to continue their role as ambassadors of innovation in effective humanitarian work.

5 key projects

The first graduating class included 28 Emirati men and women who proposed five key projects that shape the future of humanitarian work and innovate new solutions in response to crises and challenges.

>> The first was a plan for an exclusive platform for training humanitarian workers through a series of general and specialized training programs.

>> The second project was developing an information management system that allows data and best practices exchange between humanitarian and charitable institutions, with the aim of strengthening cross collaborations.

>> The third project focused on developing policies that govern social entrepreneurship to ensure an orderly legislative framework that facilitates the work of social entrepreneurs and highlights their positive impact on the society.

>> The fourth explores boosting the public’s support for humanitarian work, through the development of a strategic breakdown of each initiative’s objectives and encouraging individuals to play an active role in the initiative.

>> The final project works to bolster the UAE’s status as a global hub for shaping the future of humanitarian work, through developing emerging community investment sectors and establishing a comprehensive ecosystem that attracts sector enthusiasts from around the world.

Volunteers

Programme participants volunteered to support key initiatives that were launched in the UAE, headlined by the 10 Million Meals campaign.

They also supported the Dubai Health Authority call centre staff in tracking Covid-19 cases, and the staff at the field hospital in Dubai.