Experts stress importance of promoting volunteering, charitable works

Experts in voluntary work underlined the importance of promoting and advocating for volunteering and charitable works, owing to their role in supporting the communities and reducing the burdens besetting them, as well as recognising volunteers' contribution worldwide in boosting co-operation among individuals to support various communities.This came during the celebration of Pioneers for Voluntary Work that was held on Saturday to mark the International Volunteer Day which falls on December 5 each year under the slogan: "Together, act now".The event took place at the Scout and Guide Association of Qatar (QSGA) in the presence of its Commissioner-General Jassim Mohamed al-Hardan, along with several entities concerned with the philanthropic and voluntary work.President of the Pioneers for Voluntary Work and President of the Arab Federation for Voluntary Activities (AFVA) Dr Yousef Ali al-Kathim said that the celebration of this day comes in appreciation of the efforts made by the volunteers worldwide and services provided by them, expressing his pride in the volunteers who have harnessed their time to become a beacon of hope and love among the people.In his inaugural address, Dr al-Kathim pointed out that the volunteers' efforts and their participation during the events of the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 were commended by all guests of the country owing to the premium level of performance and good behaviour during the World Cup, which reflected a bright image of the sons and daughters of Qatar.He said that his pride in the efforts of the volunteers is not because they are the sons and daughters of Qatar, but because of their distinguished effort through which QSGA came at the forefront of the volunteering institutions at the gulf, Arab and international levels, extending his thanks and gratitude to all Qatari institutions, individuals and the residents who offered their potential and services in support of the process of the volunteering work.Dr al-Kathim indicated that the volunteering work has become a fundamental partner in assessing the performance of the entities and institutions operating in the fields of health, sports, environment, education and culture, etc., lauding the volunteers' keenness to move forward in their work and dedication and innovate the initiatives and volunteering projects.He noted that the "Retired Volunteer" project has been rolled out to capitalise on his long expertise in various scientific and vocational levels in the service of the community, thanking the engagement of all supporting entities, including the Ministry of Education and Higher Education, represented by QSGA for the unlimited moral and physical support they have been providing, as well as the expertise that contributes to supporting and developing their work.During the ceremony, the volunteers were honoured for their enormous efforts and evident imprint during their engagement in various volunteering activities, including the efforts they made during the events of the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 tournament, along with their social and volunteering engagements in health, culture and education.For their part, honoured volunteers extended their utmost thanks and appreciation for this kind gesture that reflects the keenness of the organisers of the volunteering and philanthropic works, including their interest in the efforts of volunteers and their services, and cherishing their dedication in supporting the social work, emphasising that such honoring ceremony represents a catalyst for the continuation of giving and excellence in various volunteering and beneficial initiatives and projects.