Dubai: Life is hard. Life is relentless. Life is fast.
Despite that, there are those that take a moment to recognise issues that need to be addressed for the greater good of their neighbourhoods. These are our community reporters. The society’s voices that hear and are heard, especially through Gulf News.
And we take a moment to recognise some of the best work in the past month, along with giving our readers a heads up that the format of the community reports is changing - we need to keep up with the times. So, definitely look out for the new avatar of community reports in the coming months.
Having said that, the top three winners for March are “Site hoardings block view, cause inconvenience to motorists” by Sarah Ronad in first place, followed by “Lack of etiquette on Dubai Metro troubles passengers” by Mishal Faraz in second place, and “Just no end to the menace of abandoned shopping trolleys” by Aditi Gandhi in third place.
Each of these reports raise a valid issue that people face and need to be addressed because they do affect the quality of lives.
The first one, especially, is a highly serious matter because it appears to be a common problem across many emirates, as per responses to the report when it was published on March 22.
There are clear rules in place to prevent people from putting up hoardings, structures or parking vehicles in place that block access and a clear view of the road, especially with incoming traffic. But, that doesn’t seem to deter people from violating them. So, the only solution - keep reporting.
First: Sarah Ronad
Published on March 22, 2018
Sarah Ronad, a student based in Dubai, raised the issue of hoardings blocking motorists’ view in Jumeirah Village Circle (JVC) in Dubai and thus causing danger to both those who drive and the pedestrians. She enjoys writing because it allows her to convey her opinions.
She said: “I feel that I can formulate my thoughts a lot better in written rather than spoken words. English is my favourite subject and I enjoy studying and learning different ways to read between the lines and expanding my vocabulary. My love for reading has only grown stronger over the years hence the subject English is never a drag for me.”
Apart from reading and writing, she enjoys playing basketball and taking photographs. Recycling is also something she has been interested in and collects old newspapers for the purpose.
She said: “I think that these community reports are a brilliant way to raise awareness of various events and happenings. It’s a good platform for budding young journalists to write and learn from other editorials. I received great feedback from people who saw my small contribution to the newspaper.”
Second: Mishal Faraz
Published on March 12, 2018
Mishal Faraz, a pupil based in Sharjah, highlighted the lack of etiquette on the Dubai Metro through her report. Reading happens to be her favourite hobby and in her opinion, words are “the most important tool” in raising awareness and bringing about a change.
She said: “It’s a beautiful feeling to see your thoughts in the form of letters and words on paper. Writing also helps me learn the art of researching information through different sources, analysing it and then organising it.”
She has a fondness for science and environmental protection. It makes her feel closer to Nature and learn how everything in the world works.
She said: “Science has taught me that there’s a reason for everything. It gives us the hope that anything is possible. People living a hundred years ago could not fathom things like mobile phones or email. Similarly, we don’t know what wonders are in store for us.”
She has been participating in environmental and humanitarian initiatives since the age of six. She believes that every person shares the responsibility of doing their bit and “making this world a better place”.
Third: Aditi Gandhi
Published on March 1, 2018
Aditi Gandhi, a pupil based in Dubai, highlighted the issue of abandoned shopping trolleys in residential neighbourhoods. She believes that writing allows her to express her thoughts, while bringing about a change in the world.
She said: “My school facilitates, enriches and enhances my learning potential and overall development in many spheres. Though I am interested to learn about many different subjects, my favourite ones are English, Mathematics and Science. I am also a keen environmentalist and regularly participate in recycling campaigns, clean up drives and tree planting events.”
She wants to continue writing community reports because she is able to raise awareness about different issues in the neighbourhood. She hopes that she is able to urge people to become more responsible towards the planet.
She said: “We can also alert the relevant authorities towards finding solutions to the different problems. Every time one of my reports is published, my school uploads it on their website and Facebook page in order to encourage others.”
Special mentions
Aalia Ahmad
Published on March 8, 2018
Aalia Ahmad, a student based in Dubai, wrote a report about a ‘Kindness Day’ organised by her university, which involved random acts of kindness done by students. To her, writing “brings sense to the world” and so plans to continue doing so.
She said: “It is a path to express ourselves and keep a reminder of all the thoughts and ideas at the time. University is my playing field of making mistakes and learning new aspects of life. Entrepreneurship and law are my favourites to think creative and critical of solutions.”
However, volunteering and giving back to the community is what she loves most. And that is why she felt compelled to write about the kindness event.
She said: “Community reports create a ripple effect of people inspiring many others to continue the act of goodness and to be engaged in solving problems for the community.”
Ashriya Javeed
Published on March 3, 2018
Ashriya Javeed, a pupil based in Dubai, wrote a report about puppies that were abandoned in her area, Al Khail Gate Phase 1, Dubai. While other children were trying to help feed them and play, she took it upon herself to highlight their plight and help them get abandoned.
She said: “I enjoy writing because I love to help others and save living beings in need of help. When older, I want to become a scientist or a doctor and help humanity.”
At this young age, her hobbies are performing science experiments and organising recycling drives. She has used empty cardboard boxes to create toys, instead of buying new ones, which end up in the trash.
She plans to continue writing more reports in the future in the hopes of making a difference.
She said: “Community reports are an excellent platform. I was allowed to rescue suffering puppies. I was surprised to receive spontaneous inquiries and appreciation from other students and teachers at school.”
— Profiles compiled by Rabab Khan/Community Interactivity Editor
