- UAE launches 'Donate Your Own Device 2.0' to recover and refurbish 100,000 used devices for underprivileged students across the region.
- Led by The Digital School and Emirates Red Crescent, the initiative promotes digital access, educational equity, and sustainable e-waste recycling.
- Minister Omar Al Olama highlights the program as a long-term national commitment blending humanitarian aid, tech empowerment, and environmental stewardship.
The Digital School, which falls under the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Initiatives (MBRGI), has introduced the second phase of its revolutionary campaign, 'Donate Your Own Device 2.0', in partnership with the Emirates Red Crescent Authority (ERC). The ambitious program aims to recover and rehabilitate 100,000 pre-owned electronic devices, with the vision of giving digital access to disadvantaged students throughout the region. The campaign is one component in an overall vision that integrates education, humanitarian efforts, and environmental stewardship.
Following the success of the pilot phase, in which over 50,000 devices were recovered with the support of over 100 government, private, and educational institutions, this second phase represents the evolution of the campaign into a permanent program. The program is now also a pillar of the UAE's overall pledge towards digital parity and equal access to education.
The program not only helps bridge the digital divide but also fosters ecological sustainability through reducing 200 tons of e-waste. Refurbished devices donated by individuals, businesses, and institutions will be utilized in educational settings while others will be recycled according to international environmental standards, thereby fostering proper e-waste management as well as learning empowerment.
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Omar Sultan Al Olama, Minister of State for Artificial Intelligence, Digital Economy and Remote Work Applications, and Digital School Board Chairman, called attention to how the campaign is in line with the UAE vision of sustainable development. Al Olama added that converting the campaign into a regular program is an indication of the nation's commitment to technology and digital knowledge as instruments of empowerment for society. He underscored that the program is a novel blend of humanitarian giving, developmental advancement, and environmental protection by recycling electronic waste into useful educational materials.
The Digital School is inviting individuals, businesses, and community organizations to join in by donating old devices or giving donations. Donations can be made on the campaign website, through Emirates Red Crescent, or by SMS Etisalat subscribers can send 2441 and Du subscribers can send 3551. The campaign is an example of how cross-sector collaboration can bring about a fairer, greener, and more digitally inclusive future.
