Sharjah24: The Sharjah Award for Voluntary Work, in collaboration with the Sharjah Volunteer Centre under the Social Services Department, has unveiled a dynamic new community initiative titled “12x12 Challenge.” The initiative is designed to inspire individuals and groups to engage in creative volunteer efforts that address societal needs while fostering a deeper sense of social and community responsibility.
Fostering a sustainable culture of volunteerism
The 12x12 Challenge aims to establish volunteerism as a lasting community value by offering an interactive platform that encourages widespread participation. The initiative seeks to empower community members to contribute meaningfully, investing their talents and creativity in volunteer projects that benefit all.
Each month will feature a unique theme-based challenge, promoted through a dedicated hashtag. This encourages participation and engagement without competition or winners, focusing instead on the spirit of selfless giving and collaborative action.
Nurturing a unified vision for volunteering
Fatima Musa Al Balushi, Executive Director of the Sharjah Award for Voluntary Work, emphasised the pivotal role of the Volunteer Centre in promoting a culture of giving and social responsibility. “This collaboration between the Centre and the Award is a prime example of institutional synergy aimed at achieving noble goals that serve the community and meet its diverse needs,” she stated.
Al Balushi highlighted that the initiative encompasses challenges across nine core volunteer fields, providing participants with opportunities to explore and contribute to various aspects of community service.
Nine areas of focus
The challenges will revolve around nine key domains:
1. Religious service
2. National service
3. Social solidarity
4. Disaster and crisis relief
5. Human rights advocacy
6. Environmental protection
7. Education support
8. Health promotion
9. Cultural and heritage preservation
“These challenges are designed to spark tangible contributions, nurturing the spirit of volunteerism and supporting sustainable community development,” Al Balushi added.
Building a cohesive society
Hessa Al Hammadi, Director of the Community Cohesion Department at the Social Services Department, emphasised the initiative's role in strengthening volunteerism as a sustainable practice. “This is a transformative step toward mobilising individuals and groups to build a cohesive society rooted in social solidarity,” she said.
Al Hammadi noted that organising such challenges reflects Sharjah’s commitment to volunteer work as a cornerstone of its vision for an inclusive, supportive community. “The strategic partnership between the Volunteer Work Centre and the Sharjah Award for Voluntary Work exemplifies effective institutional collaboration, enhancing efforts to spread the culture of volunteering on a wider scale,” she added.
A united effort
The coordination meeting was held at the Sharjah Volunteer Centre and attended by key figures from both organisations. Among the attendees were:
- Hessa Al Hammadi, Director of Community Cohesion Department
- Sandia Abdulrahman, Head of the Sharjah Volunteer Centre
- From the Sharjah Award for Voluntary Work: Fatima Musa Al Balushi, Executive Director; Zahra Ali Al Mazmi, Media Office Manager; Maryam Abdulrahman Al Obaidli, Community Events Coordinator; and Sheikha Abdulkhaleq Al Serkal, Participation Coordinator.
With initiatives like the 12x12 Challenge, Sharjah continues to reaffirm its commitment to volunteerism, laying the groundwork for a more supportive, unified, and inclusive community.
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