Abu Dhabi – The Authority of Social Contribution – Ma’an, today celebrated the achievements of the 6th cohort of the “Journey of Generations” (JOG) programme with a final walk and boat tour in Yas Bay in Abu Dhabi. The latest JOG cohort has set a new landmark for the programme in that it has consisted entirely of volunteers working to support senior citizens rather than NGOs or government entities managing the program.

Attended by Her Excellency Salama Alameemi, the Director General of Ma’an, the event marked the success of an innovative initiative that has enhanced interactions between senior citizens and residents with volunteers from Abu Dhabi through the pandemic and beyond. By serving their community in this way, these volunteers have played a positive and helpful role and provided an example for new volunteers seeking to join the programme in the future.   

Through JOG, Ma’an has enabled volunteers to run and manage the programme and bring together people of all ages through events across Abu Dhabi’s landmarks. A group of 10 volunteer leaders have led the running of the program and have onboarded a total of 46 volunteers to contribute their time and help enhance the wellbeing of 45 senior citizens. They also helped organize walks, tours, boat rides and National Day celebrations in various venues including Yas mall, Hudairiyat Island, Jubail Mangrove Park, the National Aquarium, and Al Forsan International Resort, with the events culminating in Yas Bay.

Dr Mohamed Al Dhaheri, Acting Executive Director of Community Engagement and Volunteering Sector said: “the ‘Journey of Generations’ represents Ma'an's efforts to catalyse real change by supporting our senior citizens and residents with the help of volunteers. As part of our effort to build a rich and vibrant network of non-profit organizations, foundations, and social enterprises, we have activated volunteering groups to help serve and support Abu Dhabi’s senior citizens and residents by adopting innovative programmes. We would like to encourage more volunteers to work with us to help build cohesive communities, inspire individuals to play an active role in their communities, and encourage personal responsibility.”

Salem Al Breiki, a Volunteer Leader in the latest JOG cohort, said: “This cohort has been an enriching experience for both me and all our volunteers as it has given us a chance to help integrate and support senior citizens and residents through a range of group activities. Such work helps us to bring our communities together and give people a great opportunity to benefit from the wisdom and life experiences of the seniors. With the increased participants in the program, the event witnessed a lively interaction between senior citizens and volunteers throughout its run.”

The JOG volunteers ensured that each session was followed by engaging and informative talks by specialized volunteers on various topics related to the attending seniors' health and wellness. The volunteers also secured CSR contributions to enhance the seniors experience, including Helping Hands Hospitality to provide refreshments at each walk, a Vox Cinema Hall with snacks for a session of laughter yoga, boat rides, celebratory National Day gifts of gold bracelets for senior women and Alkhet Alabied gents tailoring for ghutra for senior men, and the support of Camping Requisites Trading to provide traditional seating for National Day celebrations.

Abeer Saleh Ali, another Volunteer Leader in the 6th JOG cohort, said: “Inclusion is vital for our communities and it is our duty to bring all social groups together to support each other. Every generation should have the opportunity to interact and share their experiences and knowledge. It has been a privilege for all our volunteers to help run and ensure the success of these activities for senior citizens and residents. I really hope that more volunteers will join our programme in the future.”

Launched in 2019, "Journey of Generations" reflects the directives of the UAE leadership regarding the care of senior citizens and residents and the importance of building bridges of communication between them and other segments of society. By partnering with other government entities, the private sector, the ‘third sector’, and volunteer groups, Ma'an is committed to integrating and supporting all of the Abu Dhabi community. The Authority’s initiatives are already making a profound and positive difference to the lives of hundreds of thousands of individuals including People of Determination, families, senior citizens, orphans, and students.

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About Ma’an

Founded in February 2019 by the Department of Community Development Abu Dhabi, the Authority of Social Contribution – Ma’an drives social innovation and builds a culture of social contribution and participation to address social priorities in the Abu Dhabi Emirate. Ma’an brings together the government, private sector and civil society with the objective of supporting innovative solutions and contributing to the development of strong, active, collaborative and inclusive communities.

The Authority has launched several pioneering programmes through its five pillars of work - Social Impact Bonds, Social Incubator and Accelerator programme, Social Investment Fund, Community Engagement and Outreach Management to deliver solutions and make life-changing differences for Abu Dhabi residents. To this end, Ma’an provides resources and support to seed and grow community-based organisations, raise and allocate funds towards community-based organisations and social initiatives, and promote community engagement and a culture of volunteering. Ma’an is a ‘Ghadan 21’ accelerator programme initiative, supporting Abu Dhabi to become one of the best places in the world to invest, live, work and visit.

For more information on Ma’an, visit maan.gov.ae. or keep up to date with the latest news and events on:
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