One society per 1000 people

Data from a recent statistics shows that Bahrain’s ratio of one voluntary society per 1000 of the population is unique among other nations around the globe. Experts argue that this proves that the voluntary work culture is widespread in Kingdom especially among the youth. The figures released by the Arab Federation for Voluntary Activities President Hussin Buhazza say that there are more than 600 societies and associations for voluntary work in Bahrain. In an exclusive talk with the Tribune, he further revealed that the federation intends to take part in the organisation of Prince Mohammed Bin Fahad Foundation For Human Development Medal Prize. Applications for the award will be accepted in Bahrain, while a distribution ceremony will be held at the League of Arab States Headquarters in Cairo.

When asked about the challenges, he told Tribune that the most important one is the shortage of funds. “Our task also becomes particularly difficult when it comes to spreading the culture of volunteerism among the youth,” he said stressing that the federation in cooperation with the League of the Arab States and the concerned institutions are paying sincere efforts to overcome such obstacles.

On the Prince Mohammed Prize, Mr Buhazza explained that the award aims at supporting exceptional voluntary work endeavours in the Arab World and is the fulfilment of an agreement between the federation and Prince Mohammed Bin Fahad Foundation For Human Development signed the last march.

During a press conference held recently at the Grove Hotel and Conference Centre, the official said: “The federation, through its partnership with establishments of the civil society, seeks to empower the role of voluntary work in serving Arab societies, fulfil its requirements and achieve sustainable development.” The prize, he said, is one of the biggest of its kind in the region supported and sponsored by some of the pioneering international experts in the field.

On his part, Prince Mohammed Bin Fahad Foundation For Human Development Public Relations Head, Dr Faisal Al Enizi, asserted that the award would stimulate competition in the voluntary work field and promote the concept of social responsibility. “This would encourage Non-Governmental Organisations (NGO)s and individuals to increase their contributions to the sustainable development of their countries.” The launch of such an exceptional award from the Kingdom of Bahrain, which also hosts the Arab Federation for Voluntary Activities, reiterates the leading role of the Kingdom in the field of voluntary work, on local, regional and international levels, said Dr Al Enizi.