The Community Contributions Commission (Ma'an) announced yesterday the 10 winning projects in the first session of the Ma'an Social Incubator Program, which is part of the community development axis in tomorrow's program 21.
The winning projects include an application to convert text messages in mobile to sign language, and another that helps people with visual disabilities to navigate in their surroundings through sensors and visual perception techniques, as well as projects that provide equal opportunities for people interested in work, sports and leisure activities.
For each winning idea, the TRA will provide funding of up to AED 200,000. Interim financial support will be provided on each participant's achievement, in addition to living expenses and accommodation costs for non-Abu Dhabi participants.
The Chairman of the Community Development Department, Dr. Mugheer Khamis Al-Khaili, stressed the great attention paid by the Department to all segments of society, citizens and residents, senior and small, and that the people of concern are an integral part of this society, pointing out that the questionnaire «quality of life» launched by the Department last year “There have been indicators that required a focus on this segment, especially after Abu Dhabi hosted this year's Special Olympics.” He said that «the 10 winning ideas are applicable on the ground, and will be supported and enabled to have a direct impact on the level of satisfaction and happiness of this important category of society», pointing to the existence of many leading ideas in various social areas. He added that the social incubator «Together» focused in its first session, which was launched last May, on the people of determination, and will have two incubators each year, each for six months. He added that the social areas are many, and «together» is the basic tool that will help the department to make the required social difference.
Salama Al Amimi, Director General of the Community Contributions Authority, said that the winning projects will contribute to the development of sustainable social solutions that contribute to improving the lifestyle of people of concern in the capital Abu Dhabi and the UAE in general, pointing out to work with the owners of these ideas and projects To implement on the ground.
The Social Incubator Program, the first of its kind in the region, aims to support and develop innovative ideas and emerging social projects, and develop them into social institutions or civil institutions that have an active role in helping the people of determination to face the challenges facing them in society, and provide them with innovative solutions that contribute In improving their lifestyle and achieving their aspirations.
`` Together, the social incubator program will provide the necessary and specialized support to help these ideas become sustainable projects.It provides guidance and tools to achieve growth, such as financial and moral support, securing office space, supporting experts to guide and provide access to investors. Six of the final 10 teams have won, and four from around the world.
Winning Projects
The winning projects in the first round of the Ma'an Incubator Program included an information, experience, training and support platform to ensure effective access for people with disabilities in Abu Dhabi, a project to establish an agency that provides them with safe and seasonal camps, a telephone application that enables the switching of communication from text messages to sign language and vice versa. An electronic umbrella for all things that integrate the people of determination in the UAE, a technology that helps people with disabilities to use tablets, computers and smartphones with special accessories, a project to provide smart flashcards, a phone application to Lim sign language for hearing-impaired children and their families, and for those with visual impairments to navigate their surroundings through the use of remote sensing and visual perception technology, and a social project that provides children with determination to attend recreational activities with a friend (trainer) who shares the child's interests. It is a social institution that provides equal opportunities for people who are motivated to work, sporting events and recreational activities.