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Tourism Development & Investment Company (TDIC), the master developer of tourism, cultural and residential projects in Abu Dhabi, introduced English classes to the workers at the Saadiyat Construction Village earlier this year with TDIC staff volunteering to teach those classes. This initiative forms part of the company’s continued commitment to social responsibility through enhancing and supporting workers well being.
The English classes aim to enrich the lives of those working at the construction village and develop their language skills, confidence, and teamwork. The classes were divided into five batches, with the first one commencing on the 25th of February, 2012 with Mohammad Islam (Mazhar), Office Assistant at TDIC, who volunteered to teach the workers at the village.
Sheikha Mahra Al Qassimi, Deputy Director of Corporate Communications at TDIC, said: “These classes were organised as part of our ongoing commitment to encourage a community spirit at Saadiyat Construction Village. We are very proud with all the various activities and programmes running in the village, be it recreational or educational, and we are delighted to be able to enhance the welfare and lifestyle of those construction workers. The classes have been very successful so far, and we plan on holding a graduation ceremony for these students upon the completion of the course, and welcoming new batches in the future. We are also very proud of our colleagues at TDIC for volunteering their personal time and efforts to this humbling experience.”
The classes were offered to all construction workers living at the village through a registration process that occurred over the span of two weeks. With a total of 88 registered students, they formed five batches divided between the volunteers with classes spread out across four days a week.
Scott Montell, Senior Lawyer at TDIC and a volunteer for the English classes said, “I have an appreciation for just how hard most of the labourers work. At my previous job I spent a few days living in a labour camp and working alongside the labourers on the construction site. It was a challenging experience, and one that made me more appreciative and willing to help. This experience has been great, and the students are all really engaged and committed.”
Maite Pinillos, Office Manager at TDIC and another volunteer expressed how this experience keeps her grounded and said, “It reminds me that it is not all about taking, but also about giving back to society and to our community. Furthermore, my students are the best! It brings me great satisfaction to see them progress, smile and grow.”
Bishnu Ippili, Senior Application Specialist at TDIC has also volunteered his time and service to teach English at the village.
The Saadiyat Construction Village currently houses more than 10,000 workers employed by contractors working on the island, and is a model of TDIC’s best labour practices. It covers 40 hectares, and facilities include shops, Internet booths, recreational parks, laundry facilities, dining areas, and sports and leisure facilities such as a cricket pitch, multi-purpose courts and landscaped gardens.
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