The Community Development Authority (CDA) in Dubai announced that this year, after providing over 831,000 meals to less fortunate families during Ramadan, its Yestahaloon Initiative has surpassed its goal by 66 percent.
About Yestahaloon Initiative
Yestahaloon Initiative is arranged in collaboration with civil society groups and places of worship annually during the holy month. This year’s CDA drive was kept under the banner of the ‘10 Million Meals’ program initiated by H.H. Sheik Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, vice president, UAE prime minister, and Dubai ruler, headed by his wife, H.H. Sheik Hind bint Maktoum bin Juma Al Maktoum, chairman of the UAE Food Bank board of trustees. The program ’10 Million Meals’ has been implemented to feed less fortunate families and community members affected by the UAE ‘s new coronavirus disease (COVID-19) crisis.
In addition to Iftar meals, the Yestahaloon Initiative donated 36,500 dry ration kits and 3,200 personal hygiene kits, helping 871,000 people with a combined AED.8.5 million investment. This year, 21 Civil Society Organisations and 9 places of worship approved by the authority engaged in the ‘Yestahaloon’ campaign, and 10 private sector companies exercised their corporate social responsibility. As well as more than 600 people working to support the campaign.
Statements about Yestahaloon
Dr. Omar Al Muthanna, CEO of the Licensing and Surveillance Division of CDA, said they observed Ramadan this year despite the most challenging conditions and threats raised by the global coronavirus crisis. The UAE took all steps to restrict its dissemination and ensure public health and safety.
He added: “Ramadan is the month of kindness and the existing health crisis did not deter our members from constantly and comfortably providing and reaching out to the poor. The ’10 Million Meals’ project is one of the finest initiatives of our government. On which we base our ‘Yestahaloon’ movement.
He concluded: “With our partners’ support the program delivered more than 831,000 meals. Our partnership represents our deep understanding of the importance of community service and the vital role that the non-profit sector can play in further strengthening social cohesion in the world. Especially in times of crisis.”
The origin of Yestahaloon
Yestahaloon’s project started in 2012 to correspond with the blessed month of Ramadan. Over the last 9 years, the initiative has aimed to enhance and sustain the social life of the workers. Particularly during the spirit of the holy month of Ramadan.
The Yestahaloon initiative has delivered more than 3,000,000 Iftar meals since its launch in 2012 through collaboration with civil society groups, places of worship and funding from the private sector and the volunteers. The project provides a forum for private companies to contribute to the growth of social stability and integration in the Dubai Emirate. Also to promote individuals and society’s happiness.
CDA has expressed a high degree of trust in the initiative this year. It’s expecting a significant number of volunteers, particularly Civil Organization employees. Over the years, the ‘Yestahaloon’ project has achieved tremendous traction and has produced a large number of Dubai employees.
“Yestahaloon” operations will take place in a variety of sites. Including migrant camps and mosques. With a view to reaching out to both staff and employees. We look forward to the commitments of the private sector to numerous community-focused projects. This is not only for the Ramadan Holy Month. But also all year round to ensure inclusive economic growth, “Al-Muthanna summarized.
