Saudi volunteering receives boost after launch of new app
Demand ‘very high’ on volunteering opportunities offered through National Volunteer Portal, says official
The Saudi Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development (HRSD) is seeking to promote volunteering in tourism through the National Volunteer Portal, its official spokesman, Saad Al-Hammad, told Arab News
“The HRSD aims to achieve one of Kingdom’s Vision 2030 goals by reaching 1 million volunteers soon, through joint integrated efforts and continuous cooperation between the ministry, relevant authorities and volunteers,” he said.
“The demand is very high on volunteering opportunities offered through the National Volunteer Portal. Whether in the field of tourism or other fields, the registration becomes fully booked for all available vacancies once it is open for any volunteer work, and that is quite impressive,” Al-Hammad added.
The portal offers opportunities for volunteer work in fields including the environment, education and healthcare. “These opportunities fit with the skills and specializations of volunteers in all regions of the Kingdom,” Al-Hammad said.
On July 7, the portal launched its phone application to facilitate searching for volunteering opportunities, help find online courses and workshops, and through which, volunteers can apply for the national volunteer work prize.
Hattan Hammodah is a 45-yearold Saudi engineer and the team leader of a volunteering group called L’oyon Jeddah that launched in 2016.
Hattan’s initiative focuses on cleaning Jeddah’s shores and helping the city’s orphans. “Volunteering is a way to tell our beloved country and environment that we care. It also helps us to put a smile on orphans’ faces and cheer them up,” she said.