Originally a small donation campaign to gather 10,000 used electronic equipment, what started out as a little movement has expanded to inspire thousands of UAE citizens to give their outdated devices fresh life and support disadvantaged kids all around.

A one-time event, the 'Donate Your Own Device' campaign which has been overwhelmingly successful is now scheduled to be a yearly, permanent project. The decision was announced on Thursday.

Starting in 2023, the initiative sought to compile outdated gadgets usually thrown away. Collecting almost 50,000 devices and surpassing its initial aim by an amazing 400 percent, it surprised the organizers. This strong reaction demonstrated UAE citizens' combined dedication to environmental protection as well as to providing educational help for those in need.

Taking to X (previously Twitter), Omar Sultan Al Olama, UAE Minister of State for Artificial Intelligence, Digital Economy, and Remote Work Applications, announced the approval of launching an annual 'Donate Your Own Device' campaign. Al Olama noted in his post that if left unused or thrown away, the enormous number of donated devices would have added to 120 tons of electronic garbage. Rather, the devices have been given a fresh use and turned into useful learning aids for children all over.

The project makes use of the ideas of recycling and renovation to guarantee that these technological tools are not just thrown away but rather used for important purposes, Devices left over by their original owners were gathered, then meticulously restored to be given to students without means to buy new equipment. Access to a computer, tablet, or smartphone can greatly increase a student's learning possibilities in many regions of the world, therefore allowing them to participate in online classes, access digital materials, and apply contemporary instructional approaches.

Al Olama underlined the two advantages of the campaign: improvement of education and environmental preservation. "This program seeks to advance environmental sustainability and offer creative teaching resources," he stated. The project lowers electronic waste, a rising worldwide problem by keeping these items from wind-up in landfills. Many times, e-waste has hazardous components that, if improperly disposed of, might contam the surroundings. Apart from lessening the environmental impact of thrown-off devices, the ad emphasizes the need of proper waste management and recycling.

Apart from its influence on the surroundings, the project significantly affects the educational opportunities for pupils. Particularly in disadvantaged areas, many students worldwide fight to get the tools required for their education, Having access to a working electronic device is more important than ever given the continuous move toward digital learning driven on by the COVID-19 epidemic, The 'Donate Your Own Device' initiative offers these students the tools they need to pursue their education in the new digital world, therefore addressing a problem.

The success of the campaign also demonstrates the great UAE charitable and giving culture. UAE residents are typically fast to take part in projects helping the local community and enhancing the quality of life for others, both here and abroad. The tremendous reaction to the campaign shows the force of group action and the good change that may result from individuals gathered for a shared goal.

Turning the 'Donate Your Own Device' campaign into an annual project guarantees that this good influence will endure in the next years. More gadgets will be gathered, rebuilt, and distributed every year providing fresh learning opportunities for countless children and lessening the environmental load of electronic waste. As the campaign develops, it might potentially inspire like projects in other nations, so disseminating the ideas of sustainability, recycling, and global educational assistance.