Abu Dhabi, 7 September 2020: The Authority of Social Contribution – Ma’an, in cooperation with the Al Mubarakah Foundation, launched a new phase of the ‘Journey of Generations’ programme, which aims to enhance interaction between senior citizens and residents with the younger generation in Abu Dhabi during the current health and economic conditions.
In this phase of the programme, organized in cooperation with the Al Mubarakah Foundation, Ma’an seeks to leverage remote communications between senior citizens and residents and volunteers from the younger generation. The activities of this initiative are planned to continue over a period of 12 weeks in which the participants communicate either by phone calls or via video-calling platforms.
The adoption of virtual sessions represents a new shift in the direction of ‘Journey of Generations’, which was launched last year and culminated in a large-scale event at Yas Mall that saw the participation of 55 senior citizens. By undergoing the virtual programme in their own homes, the health risks for senior citizens are also mitigated.
Sheikha Dr. Mozah bint Mubarak bin Mohammed Al Nahyan, Al Mubarakah Foundation Board Chair, stressed the importance of this programme, which represents its qualitative transfer in reflecting the directives of the UAE leadership regarding the care of senior citizens and residents and building bridges of communications between them and various segments of society. Sheikha Mozah also indicated that the programme embodies one of the core axes in the vision of the Al Mubarakah Foundation and Ma’an for the preparatory plan towards the next 50 years of the UAE.
Her Excellency Salama Al Ameemi, Director General of Ma’an, said: “It has been a difficult timing for all with the recent health and economic challenges and we will still need to foster engagement and understanding across the whole community. For senior citizens, this can be extremely tough and having been isolated for so long can sometimes have consequences that can affect their health and wellbeing.
Sheikha Dr. Moza bint Mubarak Al Nahyan praised the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the State, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, and His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, and their brothers Their Highness Sheikhs, members of the Supreme Council of the Federation, Rulers of the Emirates and His Highness’s keenness to create an environment of exceptional social care for senior citizens and residents through which they can transfer their experiences and expertise to younger generations, interacting together to serve the nation and its future development.
Sheikha Dr. Moza also expressed her appreciation for the strategic partnership with, and vital role played by Ma’an in the execution of the Journey of Generations programme’s first phase, which saw volunteers and senior citizens participate. The initial phase achieved positive results related regarding the health of senior citizens, enhanced their social care and built communication bridges between them other societal groups, especially the youth.
Sheikha Dr. Moza bint Mubarak Al Nahyan explained that the second session will follow a carefully curated programme for interaction between volunteers and senior citizens and residents. The objectives of this phase have been set very carefully by specialists in social care, health, fitness, healthy nutrition, as well hobbies and activities that can be practiced by senior citizens and residents.
In its second phase, the programme will also be extended to senior residents of various nationalities, reflecting the climate of diversity, tolerance and civilized coexistence that characterizes the society of the UAE.
She also pointed out that the initiative has organized an introductory workshop before the second phase kick-off for volunteers so that each gets to know their role and mechanisms to achieve their goals with senior citizens and residents on the program.
Her Excellency Salama Al Ameemi, added: “This is why we have decided to continue the ‘Journey of Generations’ programme virtually, so elderly community members can interact and engage with our youth volunteers on a weekly basis and share their experiences to mutual benefit. Senior citizens are valued members of the community and having moments like these, especially after a difficult period, can make a big difference to their wellbeing as well as bringing a smile to their faces”.