Dubai: The Digital School, one of the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Initiatives (MBRGI), in collaboration with the Emirates Red Crescent (ERC), has launched the second edition of the "Donate Your Own Device 2.0" campaign. The initiative seeks to collect 100,000 used electronic devices to support students from underprivileged groups worldwide.
According to Emirates News Agency, this effort aligns with a comprehensive vision that integrates education, humanitarian work, and environmental sustainability. The collected devices will be refurbished or recycled, adhering to environmental best practices, thus supporting the educational process and fostering long-term social and environmental impact.
The Digital School has called on individuals and institutions to donate used electronic devices or make financial contributions through official channels in cooperation with the ERC, or via the campaign's website, www.donateyourowndevice.org. Contributions can also be made by sending an SMS to 2441 for "Etisalat" subscribers or to 3551 for "Du" subscribers.
Following the success of the campaign's first phase, which garnered over 50,000 devices with participation from more than 100 government and private entities and educational institutions in the UAE, the initiative has been transformed into a permanent fixture. This reflects a long-term commitment to bridging the digital divide globally.
The "Donate Your Own Device 2.0" campaign is part of the UAE's vision for a comprehensive and sustainable future. It aims to reduce electronic waste by about 200 tonnes and supports efforts for equitable digital transformation and education through partnerships between technical, humanitarian, and environmental institutions.
Omar Sultan Al Olama, Minister of State for Artificial Intelligence, Digital Economy and Remote Work Applications, and Chairman of the Digital School Board, emphasized that making the campaign permanent underscores the UAE's commitment to sustainability. The initiative serves as a pioneering model in integrating charitable, developmental, and environmental work by recycling electronic devices into educational tools for disadvantaged students globally.
Dr. Hamdan Musallam Al Mazrouei, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the ERC, highlighted the transformation the Digital School has brought to educational services for children in underprivileged areas. He reiterated ERC's commitment to its strategic partnership with the Digital School, focusing on smart education opportunities and expanding the reach of its humanitarian initiatives.
The campaign's second edition underscores the Emirati community's ongoing dedication to fostering a culture of sustainable giving and social responsibility. It also aims to raise community awareness about reusing and recycling electronic devices through various events and activities.
Organized in partnership with the Digital School, ERC, and Ecyclex, with support from the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment, the campaign aims to confront the challenges of electronic waste. International statistics suggest that around 50 million tons of e-waste are produced globally each year.
The initial campaign, launched in 2023, succeeded in collecting 50,000 electronic devices, recycling 120 tons of e-waste, reducing carbon dioxide emissions by 122 tonnes, and saving 170,000 liters of fuel, among other accomplishments.
The Digital School, launched by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum in November 2020, aims to empower students with digital learning options and provides a qualitative option for blended and distance learning. It continues to expand, benefiting over 500,000 students from 33 countries with educational content in five languages: Arabic, English, French, Spanish, and Kurdish.