LAMIA AL HARMOUDI (SHARJAH)
Demand for volunteering has seen an uptick during the holy month of Ramadan, according to officials in the field of humanitarian work. They noted the presence of many local and governmental agencies in the UAE that are intensifying their efforts during this period in charitable work.
Maryam Al Shamsi, Acting Director of the Volunteering and Community Service Office at Sharjah Charity International, said that the society strives to establish a culture of volunteer work and spread it among community members. She noted that the society has launched many volunteering initiatives, covering a wide array of fields, for community members to participate.
“Volunteering positively impacts families, individuals, and society as a whole. It strengthens societal culture and fosters a sense of responsibility and initiative,” Al Shamsi said. Volunteers are a vital resource for Sharjah Charity International.
By opening doors for volunteer opportunities, the organisation aims to develop programmes that are for seasonal occasions or events tied to local and global happenings. These programmes will have broader and more sustainable goals, she added.
“We have many projects that need volunteers, such as blood donation campaigns, food distribution, caring for families, and relief campaigns, in addition to campaigns for the holy month of Ramadan, Eid Al Adha, the back-to-school campaign, and many more,” Al Shamsi continued.
“The Sharjah Charity International has a wealth of 11,236 volunteers, and we are proud of them. We welcome anybody who wishes to join our volunteer team. Candidates can join the team by registering on the society’s website,” she said.
As for Nadia Al Harmoudi, Head of the Volunteer Department at the Emirates Red Crescent (ERC), Sharjah Centre, volunteer work contributes to the development and advancement of society, and supports efforts of governments to accomplish greater tasks.
“Volunteering offers a great opportunity to harness the potential of individuals for societal good,” she said.
According to Al Harmoudi, the number of volunteers at the ERC’s Sharjah centre stands at 1,700. She also noted that more people come forward for volunteering during the holy month of Ramadan. Volunteer work during Ramadan mainly includes, preparing food parcels and distributing them to needy families, preparing Ramadan tents in which they are distributed, paying visits to the sick and care homes for senior citizens, she added.
Hessa Al Hammadi, Director of the Community Cohesion Department at the Department of Social Services in Sharjah, pointed out the importance of volunteering. Volunteer work creates a cooperative human spirit between members of the same society and different societies, according to Al Hammadi.
“Volunteering is a practice that requires cultural awareness and understanding of its benefits. It provides a sense of accomplishment and boosts self-confidence for both the volunteer and those they help. Volunteering also contributes to skill enhancement, in addition to offering personal growth opportunities.”