'Pass it on' drive cheers labourers

The rate at which technology is evolving is just mind-boggling. One after the other new models, upgraded versions of electronic items make us want to keep buying new, hi-performance, improvised gadgets. But the point to be noted is what do we do with our discarded electronic items?
Although we want to grab every new piece of technology that enters the market, are we also doing something with our not so old gadgets? Or are we merely piling up electronic waste, letting it get rusted even when it is in a 'good and usable' condition?
Keeping this in mind, renowned consumer electronics distributor Eros Group, recently concluded its popular and community-oriented 'PASS IT ON' initiative at The Winchester School, on May 12, that brought a smile to many hard-working labourers of Jebel Ali.
The awareness campaign, which was held at the school, was organised in conjunction with 'Take My Junk'. The dual benefits of the campaign involved reducing electronic waste through extending the life cycle of electronic products by giving them away to those less fortunate.
In the past, the campaign, which was launched in 2010, has involved students from Dubai British School, Greenfield Community School and Gems World School, along with other community members to donate electronic items in labour accommodations in Dubai.
This year, the initiative reached out to labourers in Jebel Ali. Disadvantaged and economically challenged labourers benefitted immensely from the items donated and expressed their joy at the unexpected handouts.
Speaking about the CSR initiative, Niranjan Gidwani, Deputy CEO, Eros Group said: "The 'PASS IT ON' initiative has positively engaged young students in the UAE. We started this campaign in 2010 to help us help needy members of the community, and we achieved that goal successfully at the labor camp, as we have in the past.
"With new technology being introduced every day, there is an increase in the amount of 'technology redundancy' which while outdated can still be used. Through 'PASS IT ON' initiative we not only raise awareness on the impact of e-waste on the environment but also encourage students, parents and staff to give their unwanted items a new home and a smile to someone.
Get rid of your unused junk
The idea behind this initiative was: 'One man's junk is another man's luxury'. Putting this philosophy into action, we have partnered with schools, such as The Winchester School, to run the 'PASS IT ON' campaign across the UAE. This way we also ensure that more unwanted or waste electronic items are either reused or recycled and not just dumped in a landfill and polluting the environment," Gidwani said.
As part of the campaign at The Winchester School, students, parents, visitors and teachers pledged to give away or pass on unused and unwanted electronic items. During the month-long campaign at the school, the Eros group organised various sessions for the students and their parents to create awareness on the benefits of electronic 'reduce, reuse and recycle'.
'PASS IT ON' drop boxes were placed in The Winchester School where students collected unwanted electronic items. The team from 'Take My Junk' collected the items from the school once the box is full and distributed it in one of the labour accommodations with the help of volunteers from the school's teachers and students.
Ranju Anand, Principal and CEO of The Winchester School, said that being a part of this campaign was a great learning experience for students. "The campaign held here was an eye opener for our students, and gave them an opportunity to contribute their efforts towards helping people. This experience has yielded lifelong lessons of responsibility and compassion."
"Take My Junk is happy to be a part of the 'PASS IT ON' campaign since its launch. We are committed to providing benefits to disadvantaged members of our society and we'd like to express our gratitude to Eros Group and the management, teachers and students of The Winchester School for their consistent support, sincere efforts and enthusiasm for the campaign," said Faisal Khan, founder, Take My Junk, UAE and 800junk.
saman@khaleejtimes.com