Abu dhabi: Launched by the Digital School, the "Donate Your Own Device 2.0" campaign has recorded a significant milestone, attracting wide community engagement and achieving 70% of its target, namely collecting 100,000 electronic devices, in record time.
According to Emirates News Agency, the initiative was launched in August 2025 in collaboration with the Emirates Red Crescent (ERC) and involves more than 140 government entities, private sector organisations, and educational institutions across the UAE. The campaign aims to collect 100,000 used electronic devices for refurbishing, recycling, and distribution to students worldwide. It integrates education, humanitarian action, and environmental sustainability, promoting digital learning and enabling students in underserved communities.
Omar Sultan Al Olama, Minister of State for Artificial Intelligence, Digital Economy and Remote Work Applications and Chairman of the Board of the Digital School, highlighted the campaign's achievements as a reflection of the UAE's vision to leverage technology and digital knowledge in humanitarian and community empowerment. This initiative represents a leading model of partnerships between government, private sector, and community, fostering resilient digital education ecosystems.
Dr. Hamdan Musallam Al Mazrouei, Chairman of the Board of the Emirates Red Crescent and Member of the Board of the Digital School, emphasized the initiative's role in promoting the UAE's model that combines humanitarian and development efforts with environmental sustainability. He noted the campaign's success in raising community awareness and commitment to social responsibility.
The strategic partnership between the Emirates Red Crescent Authority and the Digital School aims to boost the initiative's impact, supporting education and embedding sustainability through reuse and recycling. The ERC remains committed to supporting such initiatives and working with partners to expand their reach, highlighting the UAE's global leadership in leveraging innovation for humanitarian purposes.
Launched in 2023 during the UAE's Year of Sustainability, the "Donate Your Own Device" campaign has created substantial environmental impact by reducing CO2 emissions, saving energy, and decreasing fuel consumption and electronic waste. The framework involves device collection, refurbishment, and recycling, ensuring sustainable impact.
Refurbished devices have been distributed to several countries, including Jordan, Mauritania, Lebanon, and Egypt, as well as supporting schools within the UAE. The initiative has also established digital learning spaces in Lesotho, Namibia, and Angola, in collaboration with local ministries of education.
The campaign is implemented in partnership with the Emirates Red Crescent, the Ministry of Climate Change and the Environment, and Ecycles. The Digital School encourages further participation through donations and financial contributions. Contributions can be made via SMS or the campaign's website.
The Digital School, launched by His Highness Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum in November 2020, is the first accredited digital school of its kind, reaching over 850,000 beneficiaries across 40 countries with educational programs in multiple languages, accredited by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC) in the United States.