Imdaad’s environmental efforts aren’t just about making changes today but also securing the long-term health of the region and our planet. That’s why we are so committed to inspiring the next generation through our community outreach program.
Be’ati is an initiative that helps schoolchildren learn about the importance of segregating waste produced in their homes, and the difference they can make to the health of the planet through recycling and environmental responsibility.
Overview of Be’ati
Be’ati is an Arabic term meaning “My Environment” and it’s all about helping individuals to understand the positive effect they can have. The program aims to tackle the common problem that people often feel overwhelmed and powerless when they think about the scale and consequences of climate change and other environmental crises.
Be’ati concentrates on the difference everyone can make through their daily actions, how segregating waste in their homes can make a big difference to the effectiveness of recycling initiatives, and how these behaviours can multiply across the population, and how we can inspire and encourage friends and family to follow our lead.
We also talk about how businesses have responsibilities and Imdaad’s role as one of the leading facilities management companies in the UAE. We cover how recycling and waste management are important and environmentally responsible functions in society. However, we emphasize the contribution that individual citizens make through simple steps like separating and recycling waste.
Meet Khadour, the Be’ati Mascot
Khadour is the public face of the Be’ati campaign, a popular and friendly mascot who is key to the success of delivering our message in an accessible way. Khadour is a great way to make sure children remember our sessions while reinforcing the importance and goal of our message. Often we hear about children going home, telling their parents about Khadour, then going on to share what he said to them. We have even had teachers who have let us know that children are asking them when Khadour will return!
Key Lessons and Practical Takeaways
While we simplify the language and tone, effective communication with children is remarkably similar to getting a message through to adults. It’s all about having a few key messages that directly relate to the audience and the practical steps they can take.
These include encouraging children to develop – or keep up – some simple habits that make a measurable difference. Some of them don’t require any help from adults while others are more long-term. They include:
Segregating waste before recycling. We use our experience in waste management to help children understand why this matters so much in the recycling process and how we can reuse many materials.
Turning off the tap while brushing teeth. We use this as an example of “water mindfulness” and developing a habit of not wasting water. This is vital in a climate like Dubai where clean water is not an abundant natural resource.
Switching off switch off lights and electronic devices when they aren’t being used. It may not sound like much, but it’s something children can control and make a measurable difference to energy consumption.
Choosing reusable bags and bottles to single-use plastics. Even if children aren’t making buying decisions, they can influence their parents.
Using sustainable packaging instead of plastic when buying products. Again, this can involve children making their own purchases or persuading parents when they are out shopping with them.
Conclusion
Today’s children are the generation that will feel the full effects of the actions our society takes today to manage the environment. No doubt some of the children we speak to today will grow up to develop and implement technologies to combat climate threats in ways we can’t even imagine. Others will be making decisions about how the industries of the future operate and interact with the environment. But every journey starts with a single step and Imdaad’s Be’ati program makes sure that every child, no matter their path in life, is thinking green from the beginning.
