Giving back to society is a duty everyone must fulfil. Because a society that is compassionate is a society that evolves.
Volunteer work is gratifying as it carries a sense of being a responsible member of society. It is a chance to help those who are less fortunate and it also helps the person grow.
The UAE has declared 2017 as the Year of Giving. The focus will be on three major themes: strengthening corporate social responsibility (CSR) in the private sector, promoting the spirit of volunteerism and specialised voluntary programmes in society, and strengthening the concept of serving the nation among the new generations.
The UAE has long cherished a culture where it has helped fellow nations with relief work and provided financial relief where needed. That ethos has now been made into a national programme. The private sector, which is a crucial member of society, will have a key role to play in social welfare programmes. It has benefited from several business opportunities and hence it is duty-bound to give back to society.
Residents too must play their role in this endeavour. There are many ways to volunteer — with a charity organisation, the neighbourhood relief initiative or even working with abandoned animals. Parents must instill the spirit of volunteerism among their children so that they grow up to be responsible members of society.
The government and authorities have always placed citizens’ interests first when formulating policies. The younger generation too must exercise their sense of responsibility and devote some of their time to volunteer work because not only does it build character, it helps society progress as one that is compassionate and considerate, which is a must in today’s world ravaged by humanitarian crises.
