Experts Underscore Importance of Promoting Volunteering, Charitable Works

Doha, January 01 (QNA) - 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 recognizing volunteers' contribution worldwide in boosting cooperation among individuals to support various communities. This came during the celebration of Pioneers for Voluntary Work that was held on Saturday on the occasion of the International Volunteer Day which coincides with Dec. 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 the Commissioner-General of QSGA Jassim Mohammed 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, Al Kathim pointed out that the efforts of the volunteers and their participation during the events of the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 were commended by all guests of the State of Qatar owing to the premium level of performance and good behavior during the World Cup, which reflected a bright image of the sons and daughters of the State 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. During his speech, Dr. Yousef Ali 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. President of the Pioneers for Voluntary Work and President of AFVA noted that the "Retired Volunteer" project has been rolled out to capitalize 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 honored 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 the areas of health, culture, education, etc. For their part, honored volunteers extended their utmost thanks and appreciation for this kind gesture that reflects the keenness of the organizers 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, emphasizing that such honoring ceremony represents a catalyst for the continuation of giving and excellence in various volunteering and beneficial initiatives and projects. (QNA)