Dubai: Community voices are having a resurgence recently. All thanks to the new US President Donald J. Trump. His decisions and statements are forcing people, who would otherwise have walked away, to take a stand - be it at a global or community level.
Sometimes a polarising figure serves to unite more than any conversation or discussion. It becomes more of a visceral reaction, rather than an intellectual response. So, today the world and its people, at least most, stand united in a greater sensitivity to belief-based discrimination, which to me is quite an incredible thing to witness. For example, millions of women around the world came together to march against him. How often have you seen such a show of solidarity? That to me is when community truly serves its role.
Today we present three winners, who, too, in their way are community forces - pushing, prodding, changing perceptions with passion and intellect.
First place goes to Mylene Sait-Rosenberg for her February 20 report, “Donating blood, saving lives”. Her mother first contacted me about Mylene’s effort. We are always wary of parents pushing their children too hard to be overachievers. So, we investigated and realised that the young woman had done something quite remarkable. She had used her mother’s personal experience to reach out and help the community. I would urge all readers to go to our website and read this article, filed under the ‘Your Say’ section.
Second place goes to I. S. Adithiyan Rajan for his report, “Planting trees to usher in a greener tomorrow”. It was published on February 13. A group of young people from across schools in Dubai came together to plant Ghaf trees.
As per www.giveaghaf.com: “[Ghaf is] an indigenous species, specifically of the UAE, Oman and Saudi Arabia, the Ghaf is a drought – tolerant, evergreen tree which is, possibly, the sturdiest plant of the harsh desert environment. In the UAE, it can be seen growing ... mostly in the emirates of Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah and Ras Al Khaimah.
“The presence of Ghaf in an area indicates that there is water underground. The tree taps water stored deep in the sand, its roots penetrating as deep as 30 meters....” How incredible! It is Nature’s way of helping communities find water sources.
The site also informs us that the “Ghaf ... provides resources and habitat for a variety of native fauna and flora, making the tree a keystone species... that if it disappeared, it would cause the ultimate extinction of other species in that system.
“Many birds build nests on the Ghaf – desert eagle owl, brown-necked raven, yellow-throated sparrow and long-legged buzzard are examples. Still others nest in holes along trunk and branches; and many more use the trees as roosts.” The article showed the importance of communities giving back.
Third place goes to the February 16 report, “A timely campaign to rid ourselves of a silent killer”, by Anjum Hassan. This, too, featured school students coming together to clear the Al Majaz area in Sharjah of discarded cigarette butts, on their weekend. Again, an example of the community being a force of Nature.
First: Mylene Sait-Rosenberg
Published on: February 20, 2017
Mylene Sait-Rosenberg, a student based in Dubai, organised a blood donation drive, which was a success with over 50 volunteers arriving to donate blood. Encouraged by this initiative, she has decided to follow it further with her friends and they will now be organising four events in a year.
She said: “Gulf News is the most widely read newspaper in this region and each copy is read by multiple people in each household. So, community reports like mine are very likely to bring awareness to the public. Besides social media, this is the next best alternative to communicate important messages to those around you. Social media can be very useful, but has its limits regards to the amount of information that can be passed on. However, community reports allow people to convey a more in-depth and powerful message to the local community.”
She hopes that with her report being published, many people would now be cognisant of the need to donate blood and would willing to become part of the solution. Many people were not aware that it only takes 15 minutes to save three lives and therefore through a community report this sort of message spreads like wildfire, which is exactly what is needed in today’s society.
Second: I. S. Adithiyan Rajan
Published on: February 13, 2017
I. S. Adithiyan Rajan, a student based in Dubai, wrote about celebrating India’s Republic Day in a unique way. Students in the UAE planted Ghaf seeds and the trees, once grown, would be donated to parks and schools around the country.
He said: “The community report platform in Gulf News is great to reach out to many people. It is a successful way of communication and sharing information. I hope it motivates others to do their part in protecting the environment and help bring out a positive change in society.”
After his report was published, his teachers and neighbours appreciated his efforts in organising such campaigns for a social cause.
Thid: Anjum Hasan
Published on: February 16, 2017
Anjum Hasan, a teacher based in Sharjah, collaborated with her students to initiate a campaign to collect discarded cigarette butts from a residential area in Sharjah.
She said: “Initiatives of concern and threats to the environment and life need to be addressed to the masses at the earliest. I feel community reports are the best medium to raise awareness of activities, campaigns, threats and solutions to the wider community. Awareness is generated and at the same time people react with their ideas and views.”
After her report was published, her students shared it on social media. She was also approached by many students, from different schools, who expressed their interest in working with her in the future.
“Students even recommended other campaigns and initiatives, like collection of expired medicines,” she added.
— Profiles compiled by Rabab Khan/Community Interactivity Editor
