The Emirates Foundation, an independent philanthropic organisation set up by the Abu Dhabi government, has launched the 'Let's Make It Count' campaign, a Takatof volunteering initiative, aiming to empower Emirati youths to engage in compelling opportunities for community support and development across the nation, making a difference in the lives of hundreds of underprivileged people and making the Takatof experience count for all volunteers.

Since 2007, the Takatof programme has organised Ramadan campaigns in an effort to instill a sense of civic engagement and responsibility amongst youth and provide its volunteers with the opportunity to support community needs while developing their personal and leadership skills in the process.

This years '˜Let's Make it Count' campaign embraces a wide range of community activities, including the outreach and support to young Emirati offenders, distribution of essential items to labourers, preparing Iftar meals for labourers and lower income families, renovating the houses of needy families, assisting those with special needs to perform Umrah and the Ramadan Pioneers programme.

In addition, this year the programme will include a Takatof Football Championship, which aims to encourage volunteers across the UAE to follow a healthy lifestyle during the Holy Month.

Building on previous years of successful partnership with the Make a Wish Foundation, this year both parties will organise an activity for children with incurable diseases, granting their wishes and offering unique gifts through entertaining activities.

Maytha Al Habsi, Deputy CEO at Emirates Foundation, said, "The 'Let's Make It Count' campaign is a true reflection of the vision set forth by the UAE's wise leadership which aims to open up new horizons and opportunities for our youth to make a real difference within their communities and their lives. At Emirates Foundation, we believe in the highest potential of our youth and their sense of social responsibility, and therefore invest in building our nations social capital through volunteer work."

She continued, "The campaign resonates true to its words and carries a strong message to all our youth to inspire them to a make positive and a tangible contribution to our nation – an effort which iss not only aligned with the vision of Takatof and Emirates Foundation, but our national strategy as a whole."

Inspired by His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, Takatof fosters a culture of volunteering throughout the United Arab Emirates.

Launched in 2007, it offers the nation's youth meaningful opportunities to volunteer for important social causes and encourages engagement in public service. Takatof members are ambassadors of the culture of volunteering and they represent the culture of social solidarity, support and giving and embody the noble values of the Emirate people.

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