At the commencement of the event, Kholoud Al Nuaimi, Director of the Social Work Licensing and Development Department, extended a warm welcome to all attendees. She emphasized that the department, in collaboration with public benefit associations, had organized the meeting to mark World Humanitarian Day. The primary aim of the gathering is to highlight the significant role of public benefit associations and volunteers, and the impact of their licensed activities across various professional, humanitarian, social, charitable, and cultural domains. The focus is on raising awareness about the crucial contribution of these entities to society, particularly in the United Arab Emirates, which has earned recognition as a trailblazer in local and global philanthropic and humanitarian efforts.
At the start of the meeting, there was a workshop called "Together We Build Bridges of Humanity," which was presented by Fatima Al Hammadi from the Teachers’ Association. The workshop focused on the idea of working together to create a better future through community service and highlighted the importance of sustainable practices in humanitarian work.
Al Hammadi talked about the idea of people helping others on their own without being paid, and how it's important for both communities and individuals. He also mentioned the benefits and challenges of doing this kind of work, and stressed the importance of everyone working together to make sure it continues in the long term.
Ali Al Rashidi, the Head of Resources and Investment Sector at Sharjah Charity Association, showcased various models and examples of the association's humanitarian work. He highlighted the association's achievements and initiatives across the Americas, Europe, Africa, and Asia, demonstrating its support to 110 different countries. He outlined the association's recurring initiatives to provide internal and external aid, including the construction of residential buildings and schools, as well as the digging of water wells in disadvantaged areas affected by natural and human disasters. Al Rashidi also emphasized the recent humanitarian aid provided to the people of Gaza as part of the Tarahum for Gaza campaign. Additionally, he discussed ongoing campaigns such as Ongoing Friendships, Dirham Al-Hamd, education initiatives, patient treatment, glaucoma operations, heart operations for children, kidney dialysis, Quran memorization, and mobile clinics.
Naji Al Nuaimi from the Ministry of Health and Community Protection presented a paper about the Psychology of Humanitarian Work from Self to Life. The paper focused on the important principles of humanitarian work, such as treating everyone fairly, staying neutral, and being independent.
Volunteering is when someone gives their time, skills, or resources to help others without expecting anything in return. It's all about making a positive difference in society by taking responsibility to reduce harm and help those in need. This can involve anything from helping out in the community to supporting organizations that provide medical or social assistance.
Community support involves addressing the social and psychological needs of individuals, families, and communities. Volunteering can have positive effects on mental health by fulfilling various psychological needs like spiritual fulfilment, a sense of achievement, feeling loved and respected, gaining new skills and experiences, and finding contentment and peace. It can also help in managing certain mental illnesses.
Social work volunteers often experience psychological pressure when they feel like the demands are too much for them to handle. This pressure can build up over time and become overwhelming.
At the end of the event, Dr. Dana Abdulrahman, who is the CEO of the Bahrain Medical Relief Society, talked about the organization's work with volunteers to help people in need.
During the event, some organizations offered free medical check-ups for the people who were there.
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