More than 4,000 devices have been distributed to low-income families in Abu Dhabi so children can continue e-learning while schools are closed. The 'Together We Are Good' initiative was launched in collaboration with the Abu Dhabi Department of Education and Knowledge in April to support families struggling financially due to the Covid-19 pandemic. As part of the programme, a public fund worth tens of millions of dirhams was set up to help parents who have seen wages cut or jobs lost. It also extends to cash for food and help with rent, if needed. Since it launched, thousands of laptops and tablets have been distributed among families by 24 government bodies, as part of a collaboration between the Authority of Social Contribution, Maan, and Abu Dhabi Digital Authority. Ayna Chembai, a grade 4 pupil at The Model School, was among the first to benefit, having received a laptop. “I am extremely grateful to everyone who has contributed and I am very excited to be using this laptop every day for my school work.” Her father, Shajir, praised the programme for making a big difference to his daughter’s education. “By the time I had applied, we received the laptop within 15 days. It was very difficult for my daughter to learn online before but this has made it much easier,” he said. “Many people have had problems during these times with people losing their jobs or having their salaries reduced and contributions like these are a big help.” Together We Are Good is the first project to be realised as part of Maan’s social fund that invites community contributions to help tackle social challenges. Eliza Thomas, a grade 11 pupil at The New Model School, said the scheme had helped reduce the pressure on her as she prepares for exams. “I will be sitting my exams soon, which is an important time for students and receiving a laptop that I can use to study every day will help me a lot,” she said. “I am really thankful to Maan as they are helping a lot of people who are in need.”
