A competition launched by the Abu Dhabi Awards aimed at promoting innovation among youth in Abu Dhabi. Khaled Al Falasi, Senior Strategic Communication Officer at Executive Affairs presented Musahamati at Tamakkan, and Tempo caught up with him to find out more about this exciting initiative…
Khaled, tell us about Musahamati
Musahamati, meaning ‘My Contribution’ in Arabic, encourages the youth in Abu Dhabi to identify an issue within the community and provide a creative solution that will make a positive change. Recognizing that youth are an integral part of our community and the Emirate of Abu Dhabi, the Abu Dhabi Awards launched the initiative ‘Musahamati’ as a competition is open to citizens and residents, between 16-23 years old.
What are its objectives?
The initiative has been designed to encourage a sense of social responsibility amongst the youth in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi. We aim to promote creative thinking and community solutions by showcasing participants and winners as local innovators and role models. Also, we hope to instill the Abu Dhabi Awards values of giving, selflessness, commitment and inspiration.
How does it work?
Well, first you need to apply. Participants choose a category and then define a specific issue that they aim to resolve and results they intend to achieve. The categories are: Environmental Preservation & Awareness; Culture & Heritage; Technology & Innovation; Healthy Lifestyle and Social Responsibility. Submissions are only made via an entry form available on www.musahamati.ae.
Then, if you’re selected, you must attend the Shortlisted Workshop: the shortlisted submissions are invited to a workshop, where they will be offered advice from experts. The third step is final proposal submission from shortlisted participants:participants have threeweeks tosubmit final proposals. Then, you will have to provide the final presentations:shortlisted participants present proposals to the judging committee. Finally, the winner will be announced! Initial support will be provided to bring the idea to life.
What criteria does the applicant have to fulfill?
Good question! All submissions will be judged against the following criteria: how achievable they are – practical, meets community needs. How sustainable – efficiently maintained over a sustained period; offers the potential for a lasting effect; not a one-off initiative. Is it original, inspirational? Ideas must be unique and motivational for members of the community. Research is very important: you will need to provide sufficient qualitative and quantitative analysis and research to support the idea. Another question to ask yourself is: is my idea scale-able? That is, is it flexible and adaptable? Can it be reproduced elsewhere? Cost-efficiency, too, should be considered: submissions that demonstrate low cost and high benefits are preferred.
Be sure to send in your submissions before the deadline which is February 23. Follow @musahamati and #musahamati
Watch the Musahamati video on youtube
By Ajir Shujahi
