Doha: Over the last month, Reach Out To Asia (ROTA), a member of Qatar Foundation for Education, Science and Community Development (QF), has been hosting its annual Ramadan 2016 Project, ‘10 Years of Service’.
The campaign aims at connecting volunteers with the wider community and the true spirit of the Holy Month. The initiative, which featured activities such as Iftar gatherings and the distribution of groceries, aimed at supporting construction workers, the elderly, and other local groups.
Volunteering is at the heart of community development; it helps affect positive social change, while serving as bridge to connect all people in society. Volunteers play an important role in fostering a sense of belonging, creating solidarity and promoting community spirit.
Ahmed Allenjawi, who took part in this year’s project, said: “My day as a volunteer started around 5pm and ended around 10pm.
“I was greatly moved after taking part in food distribution; the sense of achievement was extraordinary. Around 30 volunteers packed food items into boxes. During one of the Ramadan activities, we met around 4pm and took a bus to Al Shamal, where we were briefed. We prepared tables, prayed, ate and played football and volleyball. We appreciate workers’ efforts; it’s because of them that we are where we are as a country.”
Hamad Saad Abu Jbara, another volunteer, said: “My day during Ramadan started after Asr prayer, when I went to Msheireb Mosque to register the volunteers and assign them their daily tasks. Then I videotaped the prayer and uploaded it on social media sites.”
The campaign is part of a multifaceted programme to promote volunteerism and foster responsible global citizens in Qatar. ROTA endeavours to help the needy in Qatar and its impact can be felt on the international stage, too. It regularly organises trips to poverty-stricken countries, or areas affected by war or natural disasters, and offers support to communities, placing emphasis on providing quality education. “It’s very rewarding being a volunteer. I’m constantly learning new skills and life lessons, and experiencing new things. It has taught me how important it is to work on myself and the value of building your character. It has helped me become the man I am today.”
Volunteering does not only help strengthen communities, the rewards are many-fold. By making a difference in someone’s life, volunteering promotes personal and professional development, offers the opportunity to learn or develop new skills, helps connect individuals and affords the chance to try new and exciting experiences.
Hamad said: “Its importance lies in creating a generation of young men and women who are ready to give back and sacrifice to make a difference. We all work hard and with great passion to become a promising generation our country can be proud of.”
Volunteers offer their time and expertise to make a difference. Hamad said: “Volunteers are people who take the initiative, like to meet like-minded individuals and are keen to give others a chance to develop and improve their living standards.”
The Peninsula
