Indian expat helps UAE workers 'realise their dreams'

Dubai - Year of Giving: Smartlife runs about eight programmes every year based on education, vocational training and entertainment.

Teach them how to fish and where to fish, but do not feed them fish" is the philosophy of Smartlife, an organisation that works for the welfare of the workers in the UAE.
A four-year-old institution, Smartlife runs about eight programmes every year based on
education, vocational training and entertainment.
Vinod Kumar Mehra, president and first teacher of Smartlife, believes every person has the right to gain knowledge. Originally from Delhi, India, with a background in technology and sales, he has completed almost two and a half decades in the UAE. He always had a dream to be a part of an initiative where he could help people upgrade their skills and Smartlife fulfilled all his dreams by giving him that golden opportunity.
"I think knowledge can change lives and attitude in a great way. Through Smartlife, we are trying to give workers in the UAE space to improve. Our focus is not just to educate them but to work on their overall development by encouraging the talented among them. We donate our time and skills so that they can grow," answered Mehra when asked how Smartlife makes a difference in the lives of workers. "I am not doing it alone; we have a team of dedicated volunteers who lead programmes and projects. And I am glad that now most of the volunteers are from the workers' community." Smartlife, an NGO, works closely with blue collar workers with the aim of making them feel good.
Smart success stories
Saleem Badnatti, in-charge of one of the labour accommodations in Dubai and a volunteer for the Smart-Idol programme this year, recalls how he got associated with Smartlife. "I remember I saw a poster of the organisation in a grocery store four years ago. I called the contact number. It all started from there. Smartlife has made my life smart in the true sense. Today, I can speak English fluently and communicate with anyone with confidence. I used to work with a helper before and now I work with an engineer. I am blessed and fortunate, thanks to Smartlife."
Another, inspiring story is that of Namayanja Diana, SmartIdol winner 2016. Just 26 years old, Diana is a bus conductor in a Dubai-based school. She got the platform to showcase her singing talent through SmartIdol. "With the winning amount I started a small business in my home country, Uganda. I got the chance to record a few songs after the competition as well. It goes without saying that the talent show played a pivotal role in taking my life to a different level. Smartlife gave life to my talent and I am just moving forward in life since then".
Mehra is upbeat about the various programmes. "Every year, we try to design and introduce a new one. Last year, it was Smartreading in keeping with the Year of Reading 2016; this year, we have something interesting in the pipeline. I am sure it will help people rise above all barr-iers and make a mark for themselves in society. Hopefully, we will announce it soon," he said.
Programmes that changed lives
The group organises events every year on the basis of three important factors - compassion, skills and talent. A few popular Smartlife projects and programmes are:
Compassion:
> Smartdistrbution
> SmartMedic
> SmartSapna
Skills:
> Smartreading
> Smartskills

Talent:
> Smartcup
> SmartIdol
- ankita@khaleejtimes.com

• Dubai