emirates7 - The Digital School, an initiative by the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Initiatives Foundation, has recognized its partners from various government and private sector organizations for their vital contributions to the "Donate Your Own Device" initiative. Launched in collaboration with the Emirates Red Crescent (ERC) under the theme "Donate to Educate," the campaign has successfully gathered over 50,000 electronic devices.
This recognition coincided with World E-Waste Day, observed annually on October 14, and aligns with the UAE’s Year of Sustainability. The event was attended by several prominent figures, including Omar bin Sultan Al Olama, Minister of State for Artificial Intelligence, Digital Economy, and Remote Work Applications; Dr. Hamdan Al Mazrouei, Chairman of the Emirates Red Crescent; and various senior officials and partners involved in the initiative.
During the event, major contributors to the "Donate Your Own Device" campaign were honored, including the Ministry of Health and Prevention, Dubai Culture and Arts Authority, Dubai Police, Roads and Transport Authority (Dubai), Dubai Municipality, Emirates NBD, American University of Sharjah, Masdar, e&, Emirates, and DP World Foundation. The Dubai Police were awarded the Digital School Sustainability Badge Flag for being the largest contributor, reflecting their commitment to societal and environmental responsibility.
The campaign has achieved remarkable results, collecting over 50,000 electronic devices, which amounts to 120 tonnes of used equipment. Reusable devices were refurbished, while non-reusable ones were safely recycled.
Omar Sultan Al Olama highlighted the importance of empowering underprivileged students with advanced learning solutions, aiming to provide future-oriented education that equips new generations with essential skills and knowledge for their communities. He noted that this initiative aligns with the leadership’s vision of promoting sustainability, reshaping education, and offering a sustainable digital learning model accessible to students worldwide. The campaign supports sustainability goals related to education, the environment, and humanitarian efforts to reach underserved students.
Dr. Hamdan Al Mazrouei underscored the UAE’s commitment to education as a key driver of sustainable development, citing The Digital School as a pioneering initiative launched by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum. This initiative supports global sustainable development goals, particularly Goal 4, which focuses on quality education for all.
He pointed out that The Digital School has revolutionized online education, utilizing information technology and artificial intelligence to cater to students in underprivileged areas, including refugee camps. This strategic collaboration between the ERC and The Digital School has reached students in 14 countries globally.
The campaign has also made significant environmental contributions by repurposing donated computers and smart devices used in educational programs. This aligns with the UAE’s Year of Sustainability goals, merging humanitarian and environmental efforts. The "Donate Your Own Device" campaign has prevented 120 tonnes of e-waste, reduced carbon emissions by 122,000 kilograms, saved 170,000 liters of fuel, and protected 32,000 square feet of land from toxic contamination.
Educationally, the campaign has opened digital learning opportunities for thousands of underprivileged students in 14 countries, including Egypt, Jordan, Iraq, Mauritania, Lebanon, Zambia, Angola, Namibia, Lesotho, Madagascar, Colombia, Afghanistan, Bangladesh, and Mongolia. By addressing the digital divide, the campaign has equipped students with the modern tools necessary for contemporary education.
Furthermore, the initiative has supported the circular economy in the UAE by recycling electronic waste into valuable resources. More than 100 institutions have engaged in the donation efforts, which initially targeted 10,000 used devices for refurbishment or recycling from individuals and organizations.
The Digital School plans to continue its "Donate Your Own Device" campaign in its second phase, welcoming contributions of used devices or financial donations through official channels in partnership with the ERC. Donations can be made via the campaign’s website or by sending an SMS.
Launched in November 2020 by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, The Digital School is the first accredited digital school of its kind, aiming to empower students with digital learning options in areas with limited educational resources. It offers a flexible and innovative approach to blended and remote learning, targeting underprivileged communities, refugees, and displaced individuals.
The Digital School adopts a comprehensive digital transformation strategy, expanding educational opportunities through digital learning, especially in remote and developing regions lacking adequate educational infrastructure. Currently, it serves over 160,000 students across 14 countries and has trained over 3,000 digital teachers, with its educational content available in five languages: Arabic, English, French, Spanish, and Kurdish.
This recognition coincided with World E-Waste Day, observed annually on October 14, and aligns with the UAE’s Year of Sustainability. The event was attended by several prominent figures, including Omar bin Sultan Al Olama, Minister of State for Artificial Intelligence, Digital Economy, and Remote Work Applications; Dr. Hamdan Al Mazrouei, Chairman of the Emirates Red Crescent; and various senior officials and partners involved in the initiative.
During the event, major contributors to the "Donate Your Own Device" campaign were honored, including the Ministry of Health and Prevention, Dubai Culture and Arts Authority, Dubai Police, Roads and Transport Authority (Dubai), Dubai Municipality, Emirates NBD, American University of Sharjah, Masdar, e&, Emirates, and DP World Foundation. The Dubai Police were awarded the Digital School Sustainability Badge Flag for being the largest contributor, reflecting their commitment to societal and environmental responsibility.
The campaign has achieved remarkable results, collecting over 50,000 electronic devices, which amounts to 120 tonnes of used equipment. Reusable devices were refurbished, while non-reusable ones were safely recycled.
Omar Sultan Al Olama highlighted the importance of empowering underprivileged students with advanced learning solutions, aiming to provide future-oriented education that equips new generations with essential skills and knowledge for their communities. He noted that this initiative aligns with the leadership’s vision of promoting sustainability, reshaping education, and offering a sustainable digital learning model accessible to students worldwide. The campaign supports sustainability goals related to education, the environment, and humanitarian efforts to reach underserved students.
Dr. Hamdan Al Mazrouei underscored the UAE’s commitment to education as a key driver of sustainable development, citing The Digital School as a pioneering initiative launched by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum. This initiative supports global sustainable development goals, particularly Goal 4, which focuses on quality education for all.
He pointed out that The Digital School has revolutionized online education, utilizing information technology and artificial intelligence to cater to students in underprivileged areas, including refugee camps. This strategic collaboration between the ERC and The Digital School has reached students in 14 countries globally.
The campaign has also made significant environmental contributions by repurposing donated computers and smart devices used in educational programs. This aligns with the UAE’s Year of Sustainability goals, merging humanitarian and environmental efforts. The "Donate Your Own Device" campaign has prevented 120 tonnes of e-waste, reduced carbon emissions by 122,000 kilograms, saved 170,000 liters of fuel, and protected 32,000 square feet of land from toxic contamination.
Educationally, the campaign has opened digital learning opportunities for thousands of underprivileged students in 14 countries, including Egypt, Jordan, Iraq, Mauritania, Lebanon, Zambia, Angola, Namibia, Lesotho, Madagascar, Colombia, Afghanistan, Bangladesh, and Mongolia. By addressing the digital divide, the campaign has equipped students with the modern tools necessary for contemporary education.
Furthermore, the initiative has supported the circular economy in the UAE by recycling electronic waste into valuable resources. More than 100 institutions have engaged in the donation efforts, which initially targeted 10,000 used devices for refurbishment or recycling from individuals and organizations.
The Digital School plans to continue its "Donate Your Own Device" campaign in its second phase, welcoming contributions of used devices or financial donations through official channels in partnership with the ERC. Donations can be made via the campaign’s website or by sending an SMS.
Launched in November 2020 by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, The Digital School is the first accredited digital school of its kind, aiming to empower students with digital learning options in areas with limited educational resources. It offers a flexible and innovative approach to blended and remote learning, targeting underprivileged communities, refugees, and displaced individuals.
The Digital School adopts a comprehensive digital transformation strategy, expanding educational opportunities through digital learning, especially in remote and developing regions lacking adequate educational infrastructure. Currently, it serves over 160,000 students across 14 countries and has trained over 3,000 digital teachers, with its educational content available in five languages: Arabic, English, French, Spanish, and Kurdish.