‘Voluntary work is active part of development’

By Zainab Al Nasseri — MUSCAT: Dec. 4: A seminar on ‘Voluntary Work: Organisation and Performance’ was organised by the Ministry of Social Development on Sunday. Presided over by HH Sayyid Kamil bin Fahd bin Mahmood al Said, it was attended by ministers, high-level officials, members of Shura and State Councils and 300 participants representing voluntary associations and charity establishments. The seminar was part of the ministry’s celebration of the ‘Volunteer Day’ and HM Award for voluntary work, which falls on December 5 every year.

In his speech, Mohammed bin Ahmed al Mahrooqi, Director-General of Social Care at the ministry, said voluntary work is an “essential element in comprehensive sustainable development and a significant factor in the communities’ vitality”. “What has boosted this sector is the HM Award, which represents high appreciation and encouragement for volunteers. This award ignites social responsibility in each one of us,” he said.

Al Mahrooqi said voluntary establishments have been expanding in the last few decades and have become “active partners in development”.

“The reliance on private and civil establishments has increased all over the Sultanate because they have proved their competence in fulfilling their responsibility. However, challenges have emerged that require more organisation for this kind of work,” he said.

Arab Gulf Programme for Development (AGFUND), represented by Director of Projects, Jibrin El Jibrin, delivered a speech focusing on the need to back voluntary work. He said this sector was top priority on AGFUND agenda along with other important issues: combating poverty, enabling women, early childhood development and electronic education.

“The plan is to contribute to activating Arab countries by spreading the concept of voluntary work and enhancing the spirit of social responsibility. With the initiative of Prince Talal bin Abdulaziz al Saud to establish the Arab Network for Civil Organisations, there is now an umbrella under which all associations are gathered, tracked and developed. The network comprises more than 30,000 Arab civil associations,” he said.

El Jibrin said voluntary establishments should be provided with adequate financial support by the Arab countries. “Yet, transparency is required when receiving funds from foreign sources. We believe these points will reflect positively in voluntary work mechanism and attract more volunteers.”

After the inauguration, the patron of the event and guests went around the accompanying exhibition which displayed samples of civil associations’ works such as paintings, photographs and handicrafts.