(MENAFN- Khaleej Times) The UAE's minister of happiness signed up to be the first volunteer of a scheme launched by Al Jalila Children's Hospital. The programme, Abtaal Al Jalila (Al Jalila Heroes), was initiated by the hospital in line with the declaration of 2017 as the 'Year of Giving' in the UAE.
Volunteers of the initiative will get a superhero cape and costume from the hospital and are celebrated as superheroes. The theme of superheroes was envisioned to highlight the fact that volunteers are true heroes for the time and effort they put in. Additionally, children can easily relate to the concept.
The volunteering programme is aimed at involving the wider community in contributing to children's health and happiness. And Ohood bint Khalfan Al Roumi, Minister of State for Happiness, is the first superhero. When she visited the hospital recently and was told about the programme, she registered online as the first volunteer.
Her first volunteering mission was to read out a motivational book titled Two Great Leaders authored by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, which narrates the lives of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan and the late Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed Al Maktoum.
Minister Al Roumi stressed the importance of spreading the spirit and culture of volunteering across the community, in addition to developing strong social partnerships aimed at improving the quality of life, leading to a happier community overall.
She also lauded Al Jalila Children's efforts to launch 'Abtaal Al Jalila' as an innovative volunteering programme that will help spread joy and happiness among children. It will also spread awareness on the importance of such initiatives that ease children's suffering and stressful medical conditions.
Dr Mohamed Al Awadhi, chief operating officer of the hospital, said: "We are delighted that Ohood Al Roumi has launched Abtaal Al Jalila and also signed up as its first volunteer. Abtaal Al Jalila is a pioneering programme for volunteering in this region. The individuals who sign up are not just given tasks but an opportunity to positively and considerably impact the lives of children. The efforts of every volunteer go into making the UAE a happier place and are a celebration of the Year of Giving."
You can volunteer, too > Residents who would like to be part of Abtaal Al Jalila can register online at
> Every application is screened and applicants go through an interview process before being accepted as an Abtaal Al Jalila volunteer
> On being accepted, every participant is given a welcome pack that includes a superhero cape andcostume,and an initiation scroll. > Volunteers can also choose to work flexible hours with the minimum being two hours a week
> The programme is open to UAE residents aged 16 and over |
Staff Reporter
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