When Deriv volunteers visited the Dubai Centre for Special Needs (DCSN) late last year, something special happened. Inspired by that experience, a group of Derivians from the Dubai office returned for a second visit, and it’s safe to say the day left a lasting impression. 

Corporate social responsibility in Dubai 

DCSN is a nonprofit organisation dedicated to supporting individuals of determination. Through education, therapy, and life skills training, they empower their students to grow, learn, and gain independence. From teaching everyday tasks like folding clothes to providing essential therapy, DCSN is doing life-changing work.

The day began with a warm welcome of open arms and plenty of smiles. The students, aged 3 to 34, put on a joyful assembly of song and dance that showed off their amazing talents and vibrant personalities. It was impossible not to feel inspired by their energy and spirit.

After the performances,  the volunteers joined the students for arts, crafts, and even some sports activities. There was laughter, creativity, and a genuine sense of connection. One of the highlights was making music together. Singing, dancing, and just being in the moment.

Beyond spending time with them, we were eager to support them in a meaningful way to support DCSN’s incredible work. Deriv donated a range of resources, including:

• Books, board games, and art supplies to enrich student programmes
• A smartboard to make classroom learning more interactive.
• Purchases from their in-house arts and crafts shop, supporting the students’ creative efforts.
• Ten pre-owned laptops to help with their administrative needs and provide students with tools to learn and grow.

Hearing about the impact DCSN has had on its students was humbling. Some graduates have gone on to secure jobs in companies across Dubai, proving that with the right support, challenges can turn into opportunities.

Extending Deriv’s commitment to community impact

Deriv is dedicated to building a long-term partnership with DCSN. That means:

• Showing up regularly to volunteer and spend time with the students.
• Organising resource drives to support their programs.
• Running skill-building workshops to help students and staff.
• Finding new ways to amplify their impact and reach more people.

It is a part of a broader commitment to making a difference in the lives of those who need it most. Earlier this year, Deriv also supported children battling cancer through a community initiative in Cyprus that provided much-needed resources and emotional support to young patients and their families. 

Whether it’s helping children battling illness or empowering students at DCSN, Deriv believes in creating opportunities for people to thrive, no matter the challenges they face. By continuing to work with organisations like DCSN, Deriv hopes to build stronger, more inclusive communities, where action and compassion drive progress. 

We’re excited to see where this journey with DCSN takes us. One thing’s for sure: it’s already taught us that small steps can lead to big changes.

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