The Digital School, a remarkable initiative of the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Initiatives in collaboration with the Emirates Red Crescent, has launched the second phase of its campaign titled “تبرّع بجهازك 2.0.” This ambitious effort aims to collect 100,000 used electronic devices, which will be refurbished or recycled to support students from underprivileged backgrounds around the globe. This initiative reflects a comprehensive vision that blends education, humanitarian action, and environmental sustainability.
A Call to Action for the Community
The Digital School invites individuals and organizations to contribute to this noble cause by donating used electronic devices or making financial contributions. Donations can be made through official channels in collaboration with the Emirates Red Crescent or via the campaign’s website: www.donateyourowndevice.org. Additionally, community members can participate by sending a text message (SMS) to 2441 for Etisalat subscribers or 3551 for du subscribers.
A Sustainable Educational Initiative
Following the significant success of the campaign’s first phase, which collected over 50,000 used electronic devices with the participation of more than 100 government and private entities in the UAE, the Digital School has announced the transformation of this campaign into a permanent initiative. This highlights a long-term commitment to spreading knowledge and bridging the digital divide on a global scale.
The “تبرّع بجهازك 2.0” campaign reflects the vision of the UAE for an inclusive and sustainable future. It aims to reduce electronic waste by approximately 200 tons while actively supporting equitable digital transformation and education for all through strategic partnerships among technological and humanitarian organizations.
Government Support and Vision
His Excellency Omar Sultan Al Olama, Minister of State for Artificial Intelligence, Digital Economy, and Remote Work Applications, and Chairman of the Digital School, emphasized that transitioning the “تبرّع بجهازك” campaign into a permanent initiative mirrors the steadfast commitment of the UAE to sustainability. He stated, “This initiative exemplifies a pioneering model that merges charitable and developmental efforts with environmental responsibility.”
According to Al Olama, the initiative serves to create educational tools that empower students from less fortunate communities worldwide to access effective and equitable digital education, aligning with the Digital School’s mission to expand opportunities for inclusive and sustainable learning.
Partnerships and Broader Goals
The Emirates Red Crescent’s Chairman, His Excellency Hamdan Muslim Al Mazrouei, echoed the transformative impact of the Digital School, stating, “This initiative fundamentally enhances educational services for refugees, displaced individuals, and vulnerable segments in underserved communities.” He reaffirmed the Red Crescent’s commitment to expanding the reach of the Digital School’s humanitarian initiatives regionally and internationally.
The “تبرّع بجهازك” campaign underscores the ongoing commitment of the Emirati community—both individuals and institutions—to foster a culture of sustainable giving and social responsibility. It serves as a leading model for proactive community engagement and raises awareness about the importance of reusing and recycling electronic devices.
This campaign is organized in collaboration with the Digital School, the Emirates Red Crescent, and “eCyclix,” with support from the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment. It brings together efforts to promote sustainable educational initiatives while addressing the challenges posed by electronic waste, which statistics indicate amount to approximately 50 million tons annually worldwide.
The first phase of the campaign, launched in 2023 as part of the UAE’s Year of Sustainability, aimed to provide 10,000 refurbished electronic devices to less fortunate students in needy communities. It succeeded in collecting 50,000 devices and recycling 120 tons of e-waste, leading to a reduction of carbon dioxide emissions by 122 tons, saving 170,000 liters of fuel, and protecting nearly 32,000 square feet from pollution caused by toxic electronic waste.
Furthermore, the campaign enabled students in various countries to access quality digital education that supports their futures and enhances their learning and growth capabilities.
The first phase culminated in recognizing significant contributors, including Dubai Police, the Ministry of Health and Prevention, the Dubai Culture and Arts Authority, the Roads and Transport Authority in Dubai, and Emirates NBD, among others, all playing crucial roles in the campaign’s success.
Launched in November 2020 by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, the Digital School stands as the first accredited digital school of its kind, aimed at empowering students with digital learning options. It provides a unique blend of blended and remote learning in an intelligent and flexible manner, targeting marginalized communities, refugees, and the displaced worldwide through modern and updated educational resources.
With a comprehensive approach to digital transformation in education, the Digital School has benefited over 500,000 students from 33 countries, offering educational content in five languages: Arabic, English, French, Spanish, and Kurdish.