Abu Dhabi University launches Days of Tolerance and Goodness event

Abu Dhabi University (ADU), in collaboration with the Department of Community Development (DCD), and in conjunction with the International Day for Tolerance, launched its Tolerance Day Event for the second year in a row. The event - which took place virtually this year - sought to promote the values of tolerance among students and the ADU community, celebrate cultural diversity, and nourish young minds to build bridges with various communities in the UAE, and world.

As humanity faces one of its most challenging crises in the world’s recent history, now more than ever, themes around support, solidarity, and coming together despite differences have found a deeper meaning and a more important place in people’s lives.

As such, to spark inspiration, and bring their imagination and creativity to life, students from the Islamic Culture (ISL 100) course had the opportunity to engage in healthy competition and present their ideas and initiatives on tolerance and what that means in today’s world. A dedicated jury carefully assessed the presentation and pick nominees for the following categories: best ethical content; best graphic design; best virtual content; and best content representing tolerance.

Additionally, the College of Arts and Sciences, as part of the Islamic Culture courses, launched a virtual initiative for all ADU students that set out to draw a tolerant world and a society that is more in solidarity with all its different classes. Aside from further instilling the values of a more tolerant world, this initiative will help students feel a little more connected to one another, despite staying home and social distancing.

The winning initiatives included ‘Saned’ initiative, which won 'Best Ethical Content', and targets workers in the cleaning, hospitality and security services sectors. The initiative was designed to support their ideas, talents and social participation. The “Creative content to teach our children the concept of tolerance” initiative won 'Best Graphic Design' and is aimed at creating creative and unique content to raise awareness for tolerance among children and highlight the negative consequences of bullying.

Additionally, the 'Illuminated Lamps' initiative was recognized for 'Best Virtual Content', which targets talented university students by providing them with an interactive platform to connect and volunteer to support their colleagues in developing their academic, technical and creative skills. The initiative 'Its basis is creativity' also won 'Best virtual content', also targeting university students. This initiative aims to empower innovation through an e-platform where participants can exchange knowledge and technical skills in graphic design and programming.

Among the winning initiatives was the 'Linguistic Coexistence', which was recognized for 'Best Content Representing the Value of Tolerance', which provides complimentary academic content through electronic platforms for employees and those who wish to learn the Arabic language, with the aim of promoting coexistence and the spirit of tolerance.

Professor Waqar Ahmad, the ADU Chancellor said: “Declaring 2019 as the Year of Tolerance highlighted the UAE’s commitment to instilling the values of tolerance and acceptance, and to carrying the late Sheikh Zayed's legacy and teachings. Declaring 2020 as the year we prepare for the next 50 years reiterates the importance of further carrying forward 50 years of tolerance, and 50 years of achievements across the board.”

Professor Waqar added: “Tolerance is a key attribute in ensuring the safety, stability and happiness of people across the world. As one of the region’s leading academic institutions working in line with the UAE Government’s National Agenda, it is our responsibility to impart these values on the leaders of tomorrow, empower them to deepen the concept of communication between different cultures, and arm them with an open mind when it comes to acceptance and co-existence. It is our responsibility to teach them that tolerance means recognizing diversity as strength.”

From his side, H.E Sultan Al-Mutawa Al Dhaheri, Executive Director of the Community Engagement and Sports Sector at the DCD, commented: “We are pleased to participate in the Days of Tolerance and Goodness event organized by Abu Dhabi University, to shed light on the concept of tolerance, which is a fundamental pillar in the community of Abu Dhabi, through which we have become a pioneering model globally and culturally; associating the UAE in the name of tolerance in international events.”

Al Dhaheri added that promoting the concept of tolerance among students enhances the spirit of coexistence and community cohesion, and today individuals from all around the world live among us with love, peace and security, and we are proud of the role the department plays as a regulator of places of worship for non-Muslims in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi. Emphasizing that the emirate has become a destination for living, work, life, tourism and investment, due to its safety and security, in addition to its diversity, which is visible in Abu Dhabi.

Al Dhaheri explained that the department is working to build an active and responsible community that embraces all its segments, and a community that is tolerant and capable of adopting positive and meaningful change, in addition to establishing an integrated and cohesive community, by providing opportunities and services to all members of the community in order to enhance its economic and social growth.

The Tolerance Day Event noted a remarkable success among students, faculty, and the community at large – showing eagerness, enthusiasm, and passion on behalf of the students towards building a more inclusive and tolerant world. This year, the event seeks to further revive compassionate human spirits, and remind the community that although physically far, we are as close as ever.

To know more about the College of Arts and Sciences’ program kindly visit our website: https://www.adu.ac.ae/study/colleges/college-of-arts-and-sciences