163 applications received for top volunteer award

The Organising Committee of Prince Mohammed bin Fahd Foundation Award for Human Development for Volunteers Working in the Arab World has received 163 applications from 18 Arab countries. The Arab Voluntary Union (AVU) is organising this event in line with Prince Mohammed Bin Fahad International Foundation (PMIF), under the patronage of the Arab League.

The closing ceremony will be held in conjunction with World Volunteer Day on December 5, said a media conference held by the organising committee in the presence of AVU President Hassan Buhazaa, PMIF Secretary-General Dr Issa Al Ansari, and Chairman of the Insignia jury Dr Faleh Al Ruwaili. Mr Buhazaa noted that this competition is the fruit of constructive co-operation between the AVU and PMIF, and the real activation of the MoU signed by the two sides in March 2018.

He praised the Arab League’s partnership and sponsorship which helped the objectives and aspirations of the award to reach all Arab countries and promote joint Arab action. AVU president highlighted the important interaction of civil society organisations, companies and governmental and private institutions with the award, which confirms its success as one of the most important voluntary awards at the regional and global levels.

Dr Al Ansari said that His Highness Prince Mohammed Bin Fahad is keen to support the voluntary work in the Arab world in order to spread the culture of community participation and meet the needs of Arab societies. He explained that the award aims to develop voluntary work to contribute to the process of sustainable development in the community and highlight the role of voluntary entities and individuals by giving them attention and appreciation.

Dr Faleh Al Ruwaili said that the increase in the number of participants in this edition reflects the growing confidence of all targeted groups in this award namely civil society organisation, voluntary teams, individuals, companies and institutions.  “The preparation period for the competition was longer than last year and the participants of the first edition promoted through their social media accounts this year’s edition.

We have also expanded the marketing committee and raised the prize’s value. These are the standards that contributed in rising the number of participants for the second edition,” said Mr Buhazaa. Dr Al Ruwaili said the jury includes a group of Arab experts from five countries, including Bahrain, Yemen, Saudi Arabia, and Egypt, pointing out that registration will continue until September 2.

He explained that the projects submitted to the award covered three areas, humanitarian - development field, which included 99 participants, environment protection and heritage conservation with 38 participants, and education and social promotion with 26 participants. The award carries a total prize money of 375,000 Saudi riyals with development field getting SR 125,000, environment protection and heritage conservation SR 125,000, and education and social promotion SR 125,000.