Hessa Bint Essa Buhumaid

Gulf Today, Staff Reporter

In celebration of the World Humanitarian Day on August 19, the Ministry of Community Development has announced the launch of the ‘100 Good Deeds’ campaign in support of the #UbuntuLoveChallenge, a global initiative spearheaded by Sheikha Bodour Al Qasimi, Vice President of the International Publishers Association (IPA), and Mamadou Kwidjim Toure, a philanthropist, thought leader, and founder of the Africa 2.0 Foundation with the aim of spreading good deeds and the desire for a better future through humanitarian, aesthetic and creative initiatives that participants offer to those around them and to those who deserve it in society.

Ubuntu, which translates to, ‘I am because we are,’ is an ancient African mantra that centres on the concept that we are universally connected; and because of this shared bond, we need to tap into our innate power, and act with humanity towards others who deserve it.

Launched on August 19, the ‘100 Good Deeds’ campaign will extend over a span of 100 days. The social challenge is open to all residents in the UAE and involves the undertaking of a good deed every day such as an act of kindness or compassion. These will be widely shared on social media platforms to help create a ripple effect at the local, regional, and global levels, and spur more acts of social good.

Announcing the launch, Hessa Bint Essa Buhumaid, Minister for Community Development, said that the Ministry’s support of the global initiative stems from the culture of humanitarian principles and values that the #UbuntuLoveChallenge embraces. Since its debut in May 2020, the global movement had garnered the support and participation of high profile local and international personalities including actor Tyrese Gibson, singer Maxwell, American businessman Chris Gardner, Indian yogi and mystic Sadhguru, and many other artists, thought leaders and business owners, she said.

The initiative aims at dealing with others humanely to meet the challenges that threaten our existence.

Hailing the efforts of Sheikha Bodour Al Qasimi in inspiring a diverse global community through the launch of the initiative, the Minister also expressed her gratitude in being nominated to participate in the #UbuntuLoveChallenge. She said the initiative actively promotes the values of tolerance and unity and establishes a culture of social responsibility where challenges are confronted with solution-focused projects and initiatives to ensure a brighter future.

“We are all responsible,” said Buhumaid as she called on all members of the community to participate in the ‘100 Good Deeds’ challenge by undertaking small gestures of kindness every day. The campaign is also an excellent opportunity for individuals from all walks of life to participate in societal, humanitarian, and developmental efforts, she added.

The Ministry, she pointed out, had gone to great lengths during the coronavirus outbreak to ensure the safety of and support needy families, senior citizens, people of determination, youth, and children, who had been impacted by the pandemic.

The ‘We Are Your Family’ initiative launched by the Ministry sought to monitor the psychological and social health of senior citizens and fulfil their needs, she said. In collaboration with the Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan Foundation, the Ministry helped distribute ‘Ramadan Mir’ to families in need around the country in May this year. Additionally, it also launched four interactive channels named ‘Taaluf’ to provide free family counselling for all community members.

Hessa Bint Essa Buhumaid also drew attention to the ‘UAE Volunteers’ national campaign launched in April 2020 under the directives of the UAE cabinet. The nationwide campaign is overseen by Sheikh Abdullah Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Minister for Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Chairman of the Supreme National Committee for Volunteerism in Crises; and Sheikh Theyab Bin Mohamed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Chairman of Abu Dhabi Crown Prince’s Court and Deputy Chairman of the Committee, in cooperation with the Ministry of Community Development and Emirates Foundation. The campaign brought together more than 20,000 volunteers from the UAE and other nationalities to drive efforts in protecting at-risk groups in the fight against the coronavirus.