Sharjah Voluntary Award highlights family role in volunteering

May 17, 2026 / 9:58 PM

Sharjah24: The Sharjah Award for Voluntary Work affirmed that the Emirati family is a fundamental pillar in promoting the values of giving and social responsibility, coinciding with UAE Family Day.

The award stated that volunteer work begins within the family, as it is the first environment in which children learn the values of humanitarian participation and community service.

It noted that this helps prepare generations who are aware of the importance of volunteering and of its role in sustainable development and in strengthening social cohesion.

Family category included in awards

The award has created a special category for families within its recognition programme.

Families can participate in several categories, including “Best Volunteer Initiative”, “Record Number of Volunteer Hours”, and “Role Model Volunteer”, thereby reinforcing the family’s role as a key partner in humanitarian and community work.

Encouraging sustainable volunteerism

The initiative aims to encourage families to make volunteering a sustainable daily practice that benefits children and strengthens humanitarian and national values.

Al Shamsi praises Emirati families

Suad Al Shamsi, Executive Director of the award, said the Emirati family has long been a leading model of generosity and giving.

She explained that dedicating a family category within the award reflects the organisation’s belief in the importance of the family’s role in fostering a culture of volunteering in society.

Building responsible future generations

Al Shamsi stressed that families who instil values of goodness, initiative and community participation in their children help build a more aware, responsible and connected generation.

She added that the award continues to support community responsibility initiatives and strengthen cooperation with families to raise children with volunteer values and a spirit of service to the homeland and society.

Call to encourage youth participation

The award also called on parents and families to encourage children to engage in volunteer work and participate in community initiatives, given their positive impact on skill development and on reinforcing values of responsibility, belonging and giving.