Young volunteers: Nurturing compassion and community spirit

The workshop was held at the Sharjah Classic Cars Museum, with the participation of 52 children aged 7 to 12.

The workshop was presented by Ms. Suad Al Shamsi, Acting Director of the Sharjah Award for Voluntary Work (SAVW).  It focused on instilling the concept of volunteer work in children and introducing them to the importance of community participation from an early age.

It also highlighted the various areas of volunteer work in which they can engage, depending on their age and daily environment, whether at home, school, or the community.

Compassion for animals

The workshop also included a fun, practical aspect through the "Bird Food Bowl" activity. Children coloured and decorated the bowls, then filled them with bird food and hung them outdoors. This activity embodied an awareness message about compassion for animals and environmental conservation, emphasising that volunteer work is not limited to serving humans alone, but also encompasses other creatures and the surrounding nature.

Developing personal skills

SAVW emphasised that this workshop falls within the framework of a programme targeting children and youth, and represents a pioneering model for utilising free time during the summer vacation through purposeful activities that contribute to developing personal skills and fostering a sense of social responsibility among participants.

The award commended the significant efforts made by the Sharjah Sports Council in organising diverse and comprehensive annual summer events, in which the emirate's sports and specialised clubs participate. It commended its role in promoting a culture of volunteer work among young people and investing energies in recreational and educational activities that contribute to building an aware and effective generation in its community.