UAE: Over 70 Volunteer to Help at Rest Home for Elderly

DUBAI (Khaleej Times), June 13, 2004: A charitable spirit and a deep sense of duty and obligation to one's elders is evident among the majority of young UAE nationals, none more so than the over 70 volunteers who currently give their time to help out at the Shuwab Rest Home for the Elderly, a facility run by the Dubai Department of Health and Medical Services. Adnan Abdul Karim Julfar, Director of the Primary Health Care Department at the Dohms, said that from 2001 to 2004, the number of volunteers at the Shuwab Rest Home for the Elderly has gone up from one to over 70. "We were surprised by the large number of volunteers who wish to donate their time and help the elderly for purely humanitarian reasons. The number of volunteers began to rise from 2001," Mr Julfar said. He said that the Department has given priority to care for the elderly, which is reflected in its development plans, development of infrastructure and services for the elderly. These venerated senior citizens were the people who helped build the nation that was in its infancy when they were in the prime of youth. Dr Julfar attributed success of the volunteer programme to cooperation between other establishments and departments. He said the Dohms emphasised the role of the UAE Ministry of Education and Youth with the desire to develop a sense of commitment to society among the young and encourage them to do volunteer work. Volunteer Nisreen Ali Salem, a Dubai Municipality employee, said that she learned of opportunities to do volunteer work at the rest home through her friends and work colleagues. Volunteer Shayma Ali Al Sayed, a social worker at Al Shaab School in Dubai, said she learned of opportunities to do volunteer work through the publication issued by the Al Shuwab Rest Home for the Elderly. She said a feeling of satisfaction and pride came over her when she started donating her time to work with the elderly at the rest home. She said that volunteering is a humanitarian mission, not only to help out the elderly in the community but also to volunteer with the Red Crescent Society and the Womens Association, among others. By Hani M. Bathish © Khaleej Times All Rights Reserved.