Student teams raise over RO 1 million

MUSCAT, NOV 1
Student teams raised more than RO 1 million for community causes as Dar Al Atta’a Association named 13 winners in the tenth edition of its Big Giving Competition.
More than 50 teams entered the competition, of which 23 qualified, drawing some 600 students as volunteers. The Big Giving Competition is an annual initiative organised by Dar Al Atta’a Association for university and college students, aimed at promoting volunteerism within higher education institutions.
Each team received RO 500 in initial funding and six months to implement its project on the ground, on the condition that it worked to multiply that amount through community contributions. After six months, the projects were presented to an evaluation committee, which selected the winners. Some teams were narrowed out because they did not fulfil the requirements and commitments associated with volunteer work, according to the organisers.
For the first time, the competition introduced six evaluation criteria, compared with four in previous editions: the highest fundraising achievement, the most creative idea, the most professional implementation, the most impactful idea, community sustainability and organisational excellence.
“The results are always remarkable, with achievements recognised both at the team and individual levels. This year, the more than 20 participating teams collectively raised RO 1,004,000,” said Maryam bint Issa al Zadjali, Founder and Chairperson of Dar Al Atta’a Association.
“What impressed us was that the initiatives developed by these teams went beyond traditional volunteer projects. One team even launched a perfume called Nafas, while others developed sustainability-focused initiatives and commercial ventures. Some of these projects will continue beyond the competition, allowing young participants to develop their ideas independently,” she added.
The teams initially incorporated volunteer work into their projects but will now continue developing them through their own approaches, and some may progress towards receiving support as small enterprises, according to the organisers.
“We have had teams that remained involved with us for four years. Some participants have already graduated from university but continue working together as volunteer teams,” Al Zadjali said.
Among the most impressive initiatives, according to the organisers, was a team that managed to build two houses for underprivileged families. “Their initiatives reached hospitals, children in need of care, elderly people and various segments of society. They demonstrated a remarkable commitment to giving back to their communities. I was deeply moved by the generosity of these teams and the extent of their engagement with the community,” Al Zadjali said.
The competition was launched several years ago, based on an idea proposed by board member Shatha Abbas. It was suspended during the Covid-19 pandemic, with the interruption continuing for some time afterwards, before resuming in 2023.
Al Zadjali encouraged students to take part in future editions, saying the association would welcome community groups and other volunteer initiatives if the competition expands, provided they adhere to its established criteria. “This is particularly important when it comes to fundraising. Teams must use the association’s official bank accounts rather than personal accounts, and ensure that donations are directed towards their designated purposes,” she said. One of the participating teams even managed to promote its initiative in Britain.