The Digital School Launches “Donate Your Own Device 2.0” Campaign
The Digital School, part of the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Initiatives (MBRGI), in collaboration with the Emirates Red Crescent (ERC), has announced the launch of the second edition of the “Donate Your Own Device 2.0” campaign. The goal is to collect 100,000 used electronic devices, which will be refurbished and recycled to support students from underprivileged groups in the Digital School worldwide.
Comprehensive Vision for Education and Sustainability
This initiative is part of a comprehensive vision that integrates education, humanitarian work, and environmental sustainability. Devices donated by individuals and institutions will be assembled, renewed, or recycled following the best environmental practices, contributing to the educational process and achieving a long-term social and environmental impact.
Community Involvement
The Digital School calls on the community, individuals, and institutions to support the initiative by donating used electronic devices or making financial contributions through official channels in cooperation with the Emirates Red Crescent. Donations can also be made via the campaign’s website or by sending a text message (SMS) to 2441 for “Etisalat” subscribers, or to 3551 for “Du” subscribers.
Success of the First Phase
Following the success of the first phase of the campaign, which collected over 50,000 used electronic devices with the participation of more than 100 government and private entities and educational institutions in the UAE, the Digital School has transformed the campaign into a permanent initiative. This reflects a long-term commitment to disseminating knowledge and bridging the digital divide globally.
Environmental and Educational Impact
The “Donate Your Own Device 2.0” campaign embodies the UAE’s vision for a comprehensive and sustainable future. It aims to reduce electronic waste by approximately 200 tonnes and supports efforts for fair digital transformation and education for all through partnerships between technical, humanitarian, and environmental institutions.
Commitment to Sustainability
Omar Sultan Al Olama, Minister of State for Artificial Intelligence, Digital Economy and Remote Work Applications, emphasized that transforming the “Donate Your Own Device” campaign into a permanent initiative reflects the UAE’s commitment to sustainability. He stated that the initiative is a pioneering model in integrating charitable, developmental, and environmental work, enabling students from underprivileged groups to access equal and effective digital education.
Partnership with Emirates Red Crescent
Dr. Hamdan Musallam Al Mazrouei, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Emirates Red Crescent, highlighted the transformation in educational services provided to children of refugees and vulnerable groups. He reiterated the Emirates Red Crescent’s commitment to enhancing smart education opportunities in collaboration with the Digital School.
Community Awareness and Volunteer Work
The second edition of the campaign confirms the Emirati community’s ongoing commitment to promoting a culture of sustainable giving and social responsibility. It focuses on enhancing community awareness of the importance of reusing and recycling electronic devices through various community events and activities.
Partnerships and Support
The campaign is organized in partnership between the Digital School, the ERC, and Ecyclex, with support from the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment. This collaboration aims to confront the challenges of electronic waste, which amounts to about 50 million tons annually.
Achievements of the First Campaign
The first campaign, launched in 2023, aimed to provide 10,000 used electronic devices to underprivileged students. It successfully collected 50,000 electronic devices, recycled 120 tons of electronic waste, and reduced carbon dioxide emissions by the equivalent of 122 tonnes.
Honoring Community Contributions
In appreciation of community contributions, the first edition honored several prominent entities, including Dubai Police, the Ministry of Health and Community Prevention, and Emirates NBD Bank, among others, for their pivotal role in the campaign’s success.
About the Digital School
The “Digital School,” launched by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum in November 2020, is the first accredited digital school of its kind. It aims to empower students with digital learning options, targeting underprivileged groups, refugees, and displaced persons worldwide.
The Digital School continues to expand, with over 500,000 students benefiting from its programs in 33 countries, providing educational content in five languages: Arabic, English, French, Spanish, and Kurdish.
