(MENAFNEditorial) Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA) is committed to serving the community by sponsoring charities and charitable activities, and supporting the development, well-being, culture, and health of the society in line with its corporate social responsibility (CSR). DEWA is achieving this by focusing on education, health, and community-care initiatives, by giving financial and in-kind donations, and sponsoring educational, sporting, and healthy activities. DEWA works to meet the needs of all segments of society, especially those with special needs, to achieve the sustainable development of Dubai and create a better future for generations to come.
"Our CSR strategy is aligned with Dubai's vision announced by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, to promote community service. It is also in line with the "My community... a city for everyone" initiative launched by His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Dubai Crown Prince and Chairman of the Dubai Executive Council, which aims to make the whole of Dubai a disabled-friendly city by 2020 by supporting and enhancing the Emirate's current efforts to enable people with disabilities. In order to become a sustainable world-class utility, DEWA is committed to establishing the foundations of CSR as well as community and developmental initiatives and projects, working with all stakeholders to achieve the vision of Dubai Government in the community. These efforts promote the sustainable development of the UAE by sponsoring initiatives, especially those related to the development and service of all segments of society and supporting a healthy environment for all its members. This includes issues related to people with special needs. We also focus on providing service related to people's welfare, health and education by providing all the requirements for a modern dignified life for the whole family to achieve the happiness of citizens and residents," said HE Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, MD & CEO of DEWA.
DEWA's annual CSR strategy includes several programmes to support humanitarian and charitable initiatives at the local, regional and global levels. DEWA considers these activities an integral part of its social role as a government organisation committed to supporting charitable and humanitarian work, in line with its strategy. DEWA has sponsored the Princess Haya Award for Special Education since its inception. It supports initiatives to raise funds to help Autistic children, Rashid Paediatric Therapy Centre, and Dubai Autism Centre. DEWA sponsors the observation of World Down Syndrome Day, and sponsors the annual closing activity of the Dubai Club for Special Sports, and Fazza Disabled International Championship. DEWA participated in sponsoring the fourth Umrah campaign of the Khorfakkan Club for People with Disabilities, which includes a number of people with motor, hearing, sight, and mental disabilities. DEWA also sponsors student from the Emirates Association of the Visually Impaired to perform Umrah during the Holy Month of Ramadan, where 25 students went to Umrah, each accompanied by a family member, in addition to a supervisor from the Association to facilitate their journey and accommodation, and ensure optimum conditions and atmosphere for them to perform Umrah. DEWA secured all accommodation and needs of the students during their journey to the Holy Land.
DEWA has clear policies and procedures to encourage people with special needs to apply for jobs. According to the employment procedures and criteria at DEWA, a large number of job applications are screened and then sent to the different departments to fulfil their needs. Interviews are then held to evaluate the candidates and choose the suitable person for the position that best fits him or her. In this regard, the Talent Acquisition department has developed tests that suit those with special needs to ensure that the candidates are assigned jobs that match their skills, and to learn about the jobs that suit them.
DEWA is keen on providing the best career opportunities for UAE nationals and develop their skills and capabilities through training programmes in the UAE and abroad, in collaboration with the best trainers and training centres. DEWA provides scholarships for students in most universities and colleges in the UAE. DEWA provides jobs for these students after they graduate in addition to monthly allowances during their course of study to encourage and motivate them to excel.
Currently, DEWA employs seven employees with special needs and provides the working atmosphere that suits them so that they feel they're integral part of society. There are designated parking areas for staff and customers with special needs. There are also special restrooms, while all DEWA entrances and premises facilitate wheelchair movement. DEWA provides special equipment and tools for staff with special needs to help them perform their duties. There are many examples of staff with special needs at DEWA. They work with total ease and contentment that stem from the great confidence DEWA has entrusted in them. Additionally, taking their circumstances into account, staff with special needs are exempt from entering their productivity data in the HR system. DEWA has recently launched the Ash'ir live video chat service to cater for speech- and hearing-impaired customers who can communicate directly with the call centre's agents in sign language. DEWA is the first government organisation in the UAE to launch such a service.
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