Volunteering is a sublime human quality

Volunteering is a personal initiative aimed at accomplishing a community service or improving an already existent one, reducing the sufferings of a specific group. Voluntary work also involves the adoption of a just cause in confrontation of a system or a society.
Voluntary work existed throughout the human history since the time of Apostle Abraham. A rally was organised on September 28 through October 3, in Turkey, with the participation of the Omani Journalists Association and Al Rahma Charity Association. The gathering was held in the northeastern city of Şanlıurfa, the birthplace of Apostle Abraham to mark the revival of charity work he initiated and invigorated among the people of his time. Turkey is currently redefining the concept of voluntary work on the international realm.
Charitable work is the core of attention of any society striving to strengthen co-operation among its members, and aspiring to integrate all members in the mainstream of society. In the light of this, voluntary work becomes the most prominent challenge, and a yardstick for measuring the degree of civilisation of any society.
The voluntary work should be sincerely stemming from a wholehearted desire to benefit the less-fortunate and those in need of helping hands, without waiting for material reward. The concept of unpaid work now prevalent in Western societies was first originated in the Arab world.
Those interested in the voluntary work lately had something to cheer about as three events were held the most eminent of which was the recently-launched Sultan Qaboos Prize for Voluntary Work. The prize distribution ceremony was held last week at Al Bustan Palace Hotel which also saw the honouring of individuals, establishments and societies involved in voluntary work. The prestigious competition, organised by the Ministry of Social Development, attracted a wide segment of society.
An exhibition was held in connection with it showcasing accomplishments in the field of voluntary work. A symposium, designed to come out with recommendations to consolidate the voluntary work, was also held. Without doubt, the prize will offer incentive to those who devoted their lives to the cause of volunteering, and will motivate them towards further charitable deeds as long as they see their efforts being recognised and honoured.
The accompanying exhibition held at the Exhibition Centre with the participation of 65 societies that showcased their charitable works, reflected the enthusiasm of the volunteers and the deep faith by which they perform their humanitarian work. The exhibition saw participation of a number of societies specialising in various fields from traffic safety to elderly care to women’s issues. The societies decided to participate just one night before the opening.
The recent drive to consolidate voluntary work adds more responsibilities to those who have something to give to the deprived and the needy. These vulnerable and week segments of society are in a dire need of assistance and support, so we all have to heed the call to help them out.

source: main.omanobserver.om/node/74804-

WINDOW -
By Salim al Jahwari -