Takatof and Sanid Volunteers arrive in USA

Abu Dhabi, Oct 3, 2012 (WAM) - Volunteers at the Takatof and Sanid Programs, two initiatives by the Emirates Foundation for Youth Development, arrived earlier this week to the United States in a new international mission. Twelve volunteers will work closely with other volunteers from different nationalities renovating destroyed homes in Tuscaloosa, Alabama caused by the Tuscaloosa-Birmingham tornado in April 2011. Habitat for Humanity, the on ground partner, will manage the process of home renovations. The UAE Embassy in Washington DC is cosponsoring with EF this mission for the second time. The first mission was in 2011 as volunteers contributed their efforts to another home renovations campaign that took place in Joplin, Missouri. In addition, these opportunities shall also establish a new awareness of global poverty and population challenges among our youth, according to the embassy. The volunteers represent the UAE's strong history of providing emergency relief to regions affected by natural disasters. At the time of the tornado, two of the diplomats at the Embassy of the United Arab Emirates in Washington, DC who were graduates of the University of Alabama felt a significant connection to the Tuscaloosa community. Through their efforts, the UAE Embassy organised the collaborative effort with Habitat for Humanity and UAE's Emirates Foundation to aid in the rebuilding process. Commenting on UAE's decision to volunteer with Habitat for Humanity, UAE Ambassador to the US, Yousef Al Otaiba said, "The UAE is honored to lend its assistance in rebuilding this great American community. Over the past year, we have witnessed the courage and determination of Tuscaloosa as they have worked to bring back their city. UAE and the US are close friends, so it is no surprise to see our volunteers lined up to come over and lend a hand." Maytha Al Habsi, Chief Programme's Officer at the Emirates Foundation for Youth Development, said: "Volunteering abroad is a great way to meet and work with other volunteers from around the world and learn about different cultures, lifestyles and exchanging thoughts, learning's and ideas." "This is not the first time for our volunteers to contribute to international project. They have been serving in many countries such as Morocco, Egypt, Thailand, Tanzania, Italy and China. Last month volunteers were in a humanitarian mission in Jordan in aid of the Syrian refugees," she added. The Global Volunteering Team helps meet the needs of communities in host countries while developing volunteers' skills and experience through work and useful activities outside the UAE. It also fosters cultural exchange activities between volunteers and hosting countries and extends the opportunity for Emirati youth to act as cultural ambassadors, In addition to establishing a new awareness of global poverty and population challenges among our youth. – Emirates News Agency, WAM