Oman

Dhofar makes strides in social solidarity

Dignitaries at the opening of the forum on Charitable and Volunteer Teams and Committees. - Picture by Hamid al Kathiri
 
Dignitaries at the opening of the forum on Charitable and Volunteer Teams and Committees. - Picture by Hamid al Kathiri
SALALAH: The inaugural forum on Charitable and Volunteer Teams and Committees opened on Wednesday under the auspices of HH Sayyid Marwan bin Turki al Said, Governor of Dhofar. The forum brought together a spectrum of stakeholders dedicated to strengthening the social fabric of the governorate.

Organised by the Social Development Committee in the Wilayat of Salalah, the forum served as a crucial platform for fostering collaboration and charting a path for the future of charitable and volunteer work. Themed 'Charitable and Volunteer Work: Sustainable Development Goals,' the event underscored the vital role these efforts play in achieving the objectives outlined in Oman Vision 2040.

Discussions at the forum delved into exploring the existing policies governing charitable and volunteer work within the framework of Oman Vision 2040. This focus highlighted the government's commitment to enhancing the societal impact of these endeavours. Key areas of interest included strengthening the organisational structure and development of the charitable sector, showcasing successful initiatives and establishing clear guidelines for governance.

The forum served as a catalyst for forging partnerships between charitable and volunteer teams across Dhofar's social development committees. Two interactive workshops, titled 'The Impact of Charitable and Volunteer Work on Students' Lives' and 'Strategies for Managing Charitable and Volunteer Work,' provided valuable insights for participants. Additionally, three thought-provoking working papers were presented, focusing on leadership skills development, knowledge and expertise enhancement, and fostering positive social relationships.

The forum attracted a wide range of attendees, including representatives from social development committees and charitable teams throughout Dhofar, students from universities and institutes in Salalah, registered volunteers affiliated with the Directorate-General of Development in Dhofar, and leaders of volunteer initiatives within the governorate. The presence of such a diverse audience enriched discussions and facilitated the exchange of ideas.

The forum benefitted from the expertise of prominent figures. Dr Hussein bin Ahmed al Dhaib, Professor at the University of Dhofar, presented the first working paper, titled 'Policies of Volunteer Work in the Sultanate, and Enhancing the Impact of Charitable and Volunteer Work on Society'. Lawyer Abdul Aziz bin Mohammed al Rawas explored the topic of 'Governing the Charitable and Volunteer Work Sector in Line with Oman Vision 2040' in his second working paper. Dr Abdul Rab bin Salem al Yafai, Chairman of Bahja Orphan Society, rounded out the presentations with his paper on 'Organising and Developing the Charitable and Volunteer Work Sector'. The forum concluded with a set of comprehensive recommendations outlining a roadmap for the future of charitable and volunteer work in Dhofar. These recommendations included establishing a regulatory body for charitable and volunteer teams, conducting research on the positive impact of volunteerism, organising regular meetings for collaboration, and launching a dedicated publication to showcase success stories. Additionally, the forum emphasised the importance of building leadership capacities, integrating volunteerism into educational curricula, and harnessing the potential of technology through artificial intelligence.