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The 2022 State of the World’s Volunteering report says monthly volunteering rates in the Arab States, Europe, Central Asia, Latin America and the Caribbean range from 9% to 10.6%
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Empathy, contentment, and pride may be the underlying emotions that drive the human impulse to charity, but the true sense of fulfillment comes from volunteering. This is perhaps the most valuable feeling, and the human touch it brings is all the more prominent. Volunteering can also extend people’s lifespan, according to the researchers, due to the fact that humans are born with social bonds. Even if it is scientifically impossible, it will certainly improve the quality of life.
A cultural component is always the spirit behind all social voluntary efforts. Volunteering, for example, is a new name for an ancient tradition in Arab society. Religious and humanitarian values, including empathy and empathy for others, strongly underpin this phenomenon. These human emotions encourage prosocial behavior and promote altruistic thinking.
A recent study found that the proportion of volunteers in Saudi Arabia reached 16.8%, with male volunteers accounting for 22.6% of the population and women 10.8%. It shows that genders participate in such activities differently. At major events such as the Dubai World Expo and the recently concluded World Cup, volunteering inevitably forms an important organizational component.
During Expo Dubai, as many as 30,000 volunteers from more than 135 countries made the event a real success. Likewise, the World Cup in Qatar lists 20,000 enthusiastic volunteers helping perform in 45 functional areas. The term volunteering signifies an effort or initiative undertaken out of a personal passion with the desire to make a difference. A 2018 State of the World’s Volunteering report found that “informal” volunteering accounted for 82.9 percent of the 8.9 million full-time volunteers in the Arab region.
These figures point to the need for more institutionalization, which is already starting to take shape in the region. In October, a conference in Abu Dhabi brought together some 1,000 volunteers and volunteer pioneers from 100 countries.host for the first time
In the Middle East, the 26th IAVE World Congress of Volunteers was hosted by the Emirates Foundation, established by the Abu Dhabi government to promote public and privately funded initiatives to strengthen community resilience.
When the Covid-19 pandemic hit and the search for a vaccine began, Abu Dhabi hosted the world’s first global clinical trial of an inactivated vaccine recruited by the World Health Organization. The United Arab Emirates recruited volunteers during Phase III clinical trials, which aroused great repercussions. As many as 15,000 volunteers, including mixed-race men and women aged 18 and 60, took part in these trials.
A study in the MDPI Journal on Chinese university student volunteering during the pandemic suggests that public and private benefits need to be considered when discussing volunteering opportunities. “The high rate of volunteering among Chinese university students is partly due to the strong state-led emphasis on community service and partly to the Confucian values of benevolence and collectivism in Chinese culture,” the report states. So, in the final analysis, it is about the individual versus the public interest and investment in private gain.
Research examines the spirit of volunteering from different perspectives, including psychological, sociological and economical perspectives. From personality traits to altruistic motivations to educational attainment and social capital, it’s about inspiring empathy. Research has also found that volunteering while studying has a positive impact on long-term achievement and well-being. It also significantly increases self-confidence, self-esteem and life satisfaction, encouraging us to do more.
Volunteering has helped in a variety of ways during these trying times of the pandemic. Many selfless volunteers serve those in need around the world, support government initiatives, and advance public service. In return, they gain valuable life lessons and skills that stay with them for life. They may require more sophisticated training for tougher challenges, such as disaster management or the aftermath of war, but it will only get better when the baseline is ready.
The 2022 State of the World’s Volunteering report says monthly volunteering rates in the Arab States, Europe, Central Asia, Latin America and the Caribbean are 9
to 10.6%. However, Africa and Asia and the Pacific far exceed this level, with monthly volunteer rates of 17.5% and 17.2%, respectively. The UAE has been bucking the trend, with its youth councils led by local volunteers ensuring policies empower voluntary organisations. Still, there are reasons why the region’s volunteering footprint outstrips its philanthropy.
The UAE is said to be one of the most generous countries in the world. It marks 2017 as “The Year of Giving,” aiming to be a leader in philanthropy. It wouldn’t be surprising if it became the philanthropy capital of the world. While that would be a lofty goal, it would be great if all of us dedicated more of our time, energy and resources to volunteering. That sure makes us happier and more fulfilled.
– Ehtesham Shahid is an editor and researcher based in the UAE.
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