Small gestures put young offenders on a better path

The Emirates Foundation’s Takatof Ramadan Project involved volunteers engaging with former young offenders to help them reintegrate back into society.

Maytha Al Habsi is the chief programmes officer for the Emirates Foundation at Abu Dhabi. Irene Garcia Leon for The National
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ABU DHABI // Volunteers have spent the holy month engaging with former young offenders to help them reintegrate into society.

The Emirates Foundation’s Takatof Ramadan Project, run with the Juvenile Care Centre in Abu Dhabi, organised renovation schemes for the youngsters to work on, football matches and iftar and suhoor events.

“At Emirates Foundation, we recognise that everyone in society deserves a second chance,” said Maytha Al Habsi, the chief programmes officer. “Without proper care and help, young offenders cannot develop into productive and responsible adults. The smallest gestures go a long way towards helping them on the road to rehabilitation.

“Ramadan is a time when we celebrate our common humanity through reflection, sharing, caring and giving, and we want to reach as many people as possible through our activities.”

She said the Takatof Ramadan Project was one of the ways in which the Emirates Foundation was “contributing to society as part of its mission towards developing and supporting youth initiatives that create real and sustainable effect”.

The project, part of the Takatof Social Volunteering Programme, comprises eight activities that promote the culture of volunteerism. Since its inception, the project has helped more than 1,000 families.

Lt Col Mubarak bin Muhairom, director of the Department of Community Police, said that juvenile care centres played a significant role in rehabilitating young people. “Supporting young offenders is crucial to ensure the success of the reintegration process,” he said.

“I would like to express my gratitude to the Takatof volunteers who made a difference to the lives of young offenders during the holy month.”

newsdesk@thenational.ae