SHARJAH, 6th January, 2025 (WAM) -- The Sharjah Award for Voluntary Work (SAVW) grants the “Distinguished Supporter of Volunteer Work Award” to government agencies, civil society institutions, private companies, educational institutions, and individuals who provide financial or intellectual support, or contribute to developing policies that support volunteer work projects and initiatives, based on the principles of social responsibility.
This award comes within the 22nd session of the Sharjah Award for Voluntary Work, which continues until 15th January 2025.
Fatima Musa Al Belushi, the Executive Director of the Award, emphasised that this category marks a significant step in fostering a culture of volunteering. She encouraged various organisations and individuals to rally their support in enhancing volunteer efforts.
The award encompasses several categories, including government entities, civil institutions, the private sector, educational institutions, and individuals. This diversity reflects its comprehensive nature and aims to inspire contributions from all sectors.
She clarified that to participate, the support provided must create a positive and lasting impact, foster the success and sustainability of volunteer efforts, and meet the goals of the volunteer programmes and opportunities. Additionally, the support should be directed towards volunteer activities undertaken during the participation year and align with the principles of social responsibility.
The award highlights that its focus is not on direct charitable actions like alms or zakat. Instead, it prioritises support for voluntary programmes and initiatives that aim to create a lasting social impact.
The eligibility criteria for participation encompass several key points. Firstly, support for volunteer initiatives must positively influence the success and sustainability of these efforts. Additionally, it should align with the objectives of volunteer programmes and opportunities.
Participants in the award need to demonstrate that the support provided for volunteer work was offered during the year of participation and adheres to the principles of social responsibility. It's important to note that this support should not take the form of direct charitable actions such as charity donations or zakat; instead, it should focus on enhancing volunteer programmes and opportunities.
There are three primary types of support available: financial, cognitive, and policy support. Participants have the freedom to choose one of these options. Financial support can take various forms, including cash, goods, or services, and is offered for at least two volunteer programmes, with a minimum allocation of AED500,000.
If a participant opts for knowledge support, they must engage in publishing and advancing knowledge about volunteer work. This involves producing publications, conducting studies, and carrying out research, with at least one book published as a minimum requirement.
Participants who opt for policy support are encouraged to actively engage in the creation and implementation of effective policies that foster and regulate volunteer work within institutions.
Registration for the Sharjah Award for Voluntary Work is open until 15th January 2025 through the website sva.shj.ae, by calling 0504676709, or via email at info@sva.shj.ae