Business & Money | Monday 19 June, 2017 4:38 am |

Education Above All (EAA) foundation, through its programme Reach Out To Asia (ROTA) held an Iftar last Thursday at the Qatar Foundation Recreation Center to acknowledge the efforts and contributions of its volunteers to the ROTA Ramadan 2017 Project for the eleventh year in a row.

With more than 3000 volunteer participants and more than 10,000 community beneficiaries in ROTA Ramadan projects since 2006, ROTA continues to extend assistance to local communities and workers in recognition of their contributions to the prosperity of our society.

During the event, over 100 volunteers were commended for their dedication and active participation in the month-long programme of community service activities.

Throughout Ramadan, volunteers were engaged in reaching out to members of the wider community, developing and strengthening relationships with partners and raising awareness of the value of volunteerism and community service.

Mohammed Al Saleh, National Programmes Director, EAA, commented on the ROTA Ramadan project by saying: “The Holy month of Ramadan is a very special time of the year. Our annual Ramadan Project reflects the true spirit of Ramadan in providing practical help and support to various segments in the community.”

“I would like to thank all our volunteers for generously giving up their time for the greater good of the community. We are always delighted to see how eager they are to volunteer and help those in need. The Holy month of Ramadan provides a unique opportunity to demonstrate the value and importance of volunteering and its benefits to Qatari society,” Al Saleh added.

This year, volunteers shared Iftar with residents of Ehsan – the Center for Elderly Care and Empowerment and Rumailah Hospital’s Residential Care Community. ROTA also co-ordinated Iftars where volunteers interacted and engaged with labourers in Doha, Al Shamal and Al Khor.

Furthermore, volunteers visited various Hamad Hospital facilities – such as the Fahad Bin Jassim Dialysis Centre & the Inaya Elderly & Special Needs Centre to interact with patients and share smiles and joy as well as small gestures of Ramadan goodwill. In addition, ROTA Volunteers celebrated Garangaou with the Children’s Rehabilitation Centre, at Hamad Medical City where children enjoyed traditional party games, face painting, arts and crafts and received small gifts.

 

“This is the third time I have volunteered for Ramadan activities,” said Hamad Al Jubarah, ROTA Volunteer. “Even though the direct beneficiaries were the children, the elderly, and the families we helped out, I felt like a beneficiary as well.  I learned how my actions can positively affect those in need, and it gave me a window into the lives of people not as fortunate as myself.  I can honestly say, for the first time in my life, I have really lived Ramadan this year.”

 

Through implementing well planned and effective community service activities, ROTA’s annual Ramadan Project provides volunteers with the opportunity to participate in voluntary service activities and “give back” during Ramadan and raises awareness of the values of volunteerism and service in the wider community as well as amongst implementing and beneficiary partners.