Dhofar University Social Work Group Celebrates International Volunteer Day and Omani Volunteer Day

The International Volunteer Day and Omani Volunteer Day, observed on December 5 every year, were jointly celebrated by the Social Work Group at the Department of Social Sciences, College of Arts and Applied Sciences, Dhofar University, and Salalah Charity Team. The event was held at Salalah Grand Mall under the patronage of Mr. Mohammad bin Humaid Al Kalbani, Director of the Directorate General of Social Development (DGSD) at Dhofar Governorate.

In his welcome speech, and on behalf of the Social Work Group, student Salim bin Ali Al Omari stated that every year this day which marks Oman Volunteer Day under the slogan ‘The Force of Collective Action’ is celebrated in recognition of volunteers, and to shed light on local and global issues in all communities. He added that volunteering is a significant value that enhances social cooperation and communication, thanking all volunteers for their sincere efforts for good and humanity and calling for being partners to build a better future for society.

After that, a poem about the importance of motivating students to volunteer and its role in building confidence among university students was recited by student Khaled bin Musallam Al Omari.

Mr. Ghanim bin Salim Al Mashiakhi, Head of the Zakat Committee delivered an awareness lecture on (voluntary work as a social necessity) and explained that voluntary work is one of the most important pillars of community development and is designed to promote the spirit of harmony in society and improve people’s quality of life and their happiness in investing in their lives and building an interdependent future based on mutual support.

Lamia bint Khamis Rajiboun, a member of the Media Committee of the Salalah Charitable Group, briefed about the group and provided examples of some of the initiatives undertaken by the team that seeks to provide aid, financial and in-kind assistance on various occasions, including assisting the needy, purchasing vouchers, food baskets, and household appliances to eligible groups of insolvent families registered with the group.

In addition, students Ammar bin Said Fadhil and Siham bint Awad Al Shabb spoke about the Social Work Group’s activities at Dhofar University and its role in volunteering on Campus through student activities to hone the student’s talent and demonstrate their potential during their academic journey and motivate Dhofar University students to engage in various activities of the Social Work Group.

The ceremony included a presentation (volunteer experience) by Engineer Mohammed bin Musallam Hubais, a Board of Directors member of the Salalah Charity Team. The presentation highlighted his own experience in volunteering activities locally and internationally.

Afterwards, the DGSD Director-General inaugurated the accompanying exhibition which was launched with the participation of Salalah Charity Team, Health Education Team of the Directorate-General of Health Services, Dhofar Governorate, Al Wafa Centre for Rehabilitating Persons with Disabilities in Wilayat Taqah, and the Social Action Group at Dhofar University.

The ceremony featured various activities, games, children’s drawings and general-knowledge questions for the public who expressed their happiness and pride in participating in the International Volunteer Day and Oman Volunteer Day.