MUSCAT: Volunteer work strengthens social cohesion across Oman. A growing number of citizens are dedicating their time for volunteer work in healthcare, community initiatives, disaster relief and education not only in Oman but also in other countries as a model for generations to come. Oman celebrates volunteerism primarily through the International Volunteer Day (IVD) which falls on December 5 every year.
Mona bint Mohammed al Aufiyah, a veteran social activist, shared her extensive experience in the field. Her journey began volunteering at a young age in a mosque in the US before she returned home to focus on education and awareness initiatives for women in health centres.
Al Aufi now leads the 'A Lasting Impact' team, a role she has held for over eight years and serves as a volunteer with the Oman Cancer Association for more than 22 years.
“Every volunteer activity gives me confidence in dealing with people and society as a whole and adds to my experience”, Al Aufi explained. She cited her crucial role with the Ministry of Health during the Covid-19 pandemic — monitoring volunteers and streamlining vaccinations — as a defining challenge that underscored the critical role volunteers play in national crises.
She emphasised the progressive evolution of Oman's volunteering culture, noting its expanding reach and impact. “Awareness of the importance of this aspect, both for the individual in particular and for society in general, is clearly progressing”, she stated, underscoring the necessity to “instil a love of volunteer work from a young age in future generations”.
Khalid al Batashi, another prominent social activist, highlighted the transformative power of this work. “Volunteer work is one of the most important areas that makes a difference in a person’s character and their community”.
Al Batashi’s volunteer journey began with the Oman Scouts and Guides, where he gained invaluable experience in responsibility, commitment and teamwork — skills he leveraged to organise events and manage groups within various volunteer teams.
“What motivates me to continue volunteering is the deep conviction that community service makes a real impact on the lives of others”, he said. He described his participation during the pandemic as a period of immense significance: “I realised then that we were not just providing a service, but protecting an entire community and alleviating its fear and anxiety”.
Al Batashi confirmed that today's youth demonstrate a heightened awareness of volunteerism, viewing it not as a marginal activity but as a vital social responsibility and a potent opportunity for skill acquisition and self-development. With dedicated volunteer platforms proliferating, young Omanis are increasingly mobilised and eager to fulfill an active role in community service, leaving a tangible, positive mark.
The positivity of giving was further highlighted by Lubna bint Zahran al Maamariyah, who said that national volunteer initiatives strengthen the culture of community service and empower young people. “My journey in volunteer work began in 2016. Despite its simplicity, it was a turning point for me”. She said providing moral support and gifts to children during hospital visits reinforced her belief that “volunteering gives you more than you give”. — ONA
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