In a bid to foster digital inclusivity in education globally, Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has donated 450 computers to the Donate Your Own Device (DYOD) campaign, a recent initiative by the Digital School. The donation includes 115 desktops and 335 portable devices, targeted at supporting underprivileged students by enhancing their access to high-quality educational resources.
The DYOD campaign, inaugurated this year, encourages individuals, companies, and institutions to donate used electronic devices. The collected items are refurbished and recycled to assist students in need globally. The campaign’s noble goal is to amass ten thousand electronic devices, encouraging donors with a green contribution certificate acknowledging their sustainable and recycling efforts.
Speaking on behalf of RTA, Rowdah Al Mehrizi, the Director of Marketing and Corporate Communication, emphasized that the donation aligns with RTA’s dedication to supporting Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives and its strategic plan for 2023-2030 which underscores collaboration and teamwork. “RTA seeks to provide digital infrastructure, which is a fundamental educational tool to enable students to enhance their reading skills, connect with educational platforms, and watch cultural and training programmes,” Al Mehrizi stated.
Al Mehrizi highlighted that the campaign not only serves an educational purpose but also addresses environmental concerns by promoting the proper disposal and recycling of computers and accessories, thereby contributing to the UAE’s objectives for the Year of Sustainability.
The partnership with the Digital School echoes RTA’s sustained commitment to community service, not just within the UAE but also globally, a commitment reflected in the numerous initiatives RTA rolled out in 2022, benefitting 53 million individuals globally. The efforts ranged from providing school buses in Uganda and Tanzania to facilitating educational infrastructure in Egypt and Thailand.
Founded with a vision to mitigate economic hardships that hinder students worldwide from pursuing education, the Digital School has been at the forefront of offering digital education opportunities through global and local partnerships. With an ambitious goal to reach one million students by the end of 2026, the school has already facilitated over 50,000 digital education opportunities across eight countries.