SAVW launches 2nd sustainable volunteering competition

Promoting Sustainable and Innovative Volunteering
SAVW's competition aims to showcase innovative and sustainable volunteering practices and activities that emphasise the significance of voluntary labour as an intrinsic component of national and social identity and are in line with the country's sustainable development goals.

Application and participation details
Applications will be accepted from September 1 to September 25, 2025, with winners being notified and rewarded in early 2026.

Encouraging youth engagement and beneficial effect
Suad Al Shamsi, Executive Director of SAVW, stated that the competition encourages activities aimed at promoting and achieving sustainable development within communities, particularly in raising children who embrace a culture of volunteerism. She underlined that the competition aims to promote positive change by instilling volunteer values and practices in students' awareness and behaviour.

Evaluation criteria and recognition
She explained that the judging panel will consider submissions based on three broad criteria: planning (20%), which emphasises vision and innovation in volunteering; implementation (40%), which reflects organisation, supervision, documentation, and adherence to community values; and results (40%), which assess social impact and beneficiary satisfaction. These requirements enable student groups to demonstrate their pioneering role in community service and sustainability by launching creative initiatives that can be scaled up later.

The programme emphasises the importance of dedication to volunteering and community development.

This programme is part of Sharjah's pioneering efforts to promote volunteerism, improve the culture of giving, and encourage individuals and institutions to adopt responsible community activities that contribute to the creation of a more cohesive and united society.