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ABU DHABI / WAM
The Department of Community Development (DCD) in Abu Dhabi has launched Wyakom, an online platform, that empowers community members to address pressing social challenges.
In partnership with Al Tawajud Al Baladi, the first phase of this pilot will focus on the Khalifa City community. The platform will invite residents to identify solutions to specific social challenges
according to a set of criteria.
Besides the opportunity to see their ideas come to fruition, the top three winners will receive a monetary
reward.
Dr. Layla Alhyas, Executive Director of the Social Monitoring and Innovation Sector at DCD, commented on the initiative, saying, “The platform will serve as the DCD’s primary channel to identify social challenges and design proactive interventions by following an Assets Based Community Development (ABCD) approach, where communities can drive the development process themselves.”
She added, “The Wyakom initiative is one of many digital projects we have launched to step up our efforts to better identify social challenges and develop innovative solutions through research and interventions. Wyakom will support the DCD in achieving its core mission of ensuring a dignified life for all community members by optimizing our efforts.”
The key themes for ideas include work-life balance, health, social and cultural values, personal safety and security, social connection, civic engagement and governance, social and community services, and subjective wellbeing. Community members can propose solutions related to these themes, which will be assessed by a screening committee of experts from the social sector.
DCD has announced monetary rewards for the top three ideas, that will be selected for implementation and will also get recognition on social media and news channels and certification.
Khalfan Sultan Al Nuaimi, Executive Director of the Sub-Municipal Operations Sector in Abu Dhabi City Municipality, expressed his happiness over strengthening the partnership with the DCD.
Al Nuaimi pointed out that the Municipal Community Centre (Al Tawajud Al Baladi) at Khalifa City has set a precedent in building bridges through communication and those unified efforts of specialised entities, and the launch of qualitative initiatives such as Wyakom, will ensure that all societal aspirations are fulfilled. The drive will progressively include all regions and cities.
He also explained the municipal centre’s experience in strengthening its relations with society through such channels as Freegna, and direct meetings and forums that supported the development of the Khalifa City community.
“As we wish the Wyakom initiative success, we reaffirm our keenness at Al Tawajud Al Baladi centre to promote the values of close cooperation and social integration that would result in a happier society and better quality of life,” he said.