Shukran, Dubai Municipality workers

Dubai - Pakistan Youth Forum began Shukran! campaign by thanking 500 municipality workers

We often take for granted the very things that most deserve our gratitude. We say 'Thank You' for special favours and gifts. But how many times have we said thank you to the cleaners and workers who clean up our trash and keep our buildings, roads, parks and our entire city spotless?
The Pakistan Youth Forum (PYF) - the youth wing of Pakistan Association Dubai (PAD) - began their Shukran! campaign by thanking 500 municipality workers.
Under the initiative 'Our City, Our Cleaners', over 50 volunteers and students gave gifts to over 500 drivers, security guards and cleaners at Dubai Municipality's Warsan labour accommodation.
With 'thank you' boards placed in 11 different languages across the accommodation, each worker was provided with individual bags that included food, personal care, hygiene items and basic necessities along with iftar meals. Medical students also provided them with healthy eating and hygiene tips.
"We handed out customised items they would actually use. Now they will be able to save their money that goes for grocery shopping and spend it on their families during Eid instead," said Dr. Jameela Abdul Haq, chairperson of Pakistan Youth Forum.
She added, "We always see everything tidy and clean in the city without giving it much thought. There should be a day where you put workers on front lead and tell them that whatever they are doing is not wasted, but appreciated."
Through the campaign, volunteers will thank different community members such as taxi drivers, teachers, hospital staff, and "the city's unsung heroes," noted Abdul Haq. The PYF team also took the gifts to cleaners on the streets and thanked them for their work. Umrah packages for three workers were also provided.
Give to motivate
According to Ameen Al Qassimi, DM labour accommodation manager, Warsan, such initiatives help make the community a happier place.
"Workers really appreciate it; given that they left their countries to work hard with relatively low salaries. Feeling that someone appreciates their work and rewards them for it makes them feel they are a vital part of the society," said Al Qassimi. He added: "We feel happy when we see workers happy. It is like embracing someone new to this country and telling them they matter."
Ahmed Kamal, a security guard at DM for the past seven years, said the initiative was a "great start to Eid." While he travels to see his family back home in Egypt every six months, Kamal said he plans to spend Eid with his family this year.
"Thanks to the municipality for collaborating on this event, we feel very happy and motivated to give more," he said. The initiative had about 10 supporters including community members who gave some of their own belongings.
"We hope more community members would support our Shukran campaign to spread happiness and appreciation to everyone in the society," said Abdul Haq.
sherouk@khaleejtimes.com  

• UAE
• Ramadan 2021
• Ramadan News