TRIBUNE NEWS NETWORK

DOHA RECOGNISED for her commitment and efforts in driving community and volunteer work across Qatar, Her Highness Sheikha al Mayassa bint Hamad bin Khalifa al Thani won this year’s Social Development Center (SDC) Honorary Volunteer Award for the vital role she plays in volunteer work, leading by example and inspiring young Qataris to prioritise public service.

Presented by the SDC, the award aims to encourage and urge individuals and institutions to engage in volunteer work. At the Volunteer Awards Ceremony, the SDC will be awarding nine community-driven schemes as part of its commitment to foster a culture of volunteer work in Qatar. The ceremony will be held at Katara on Tuesday.

Launched by SDC in 1999, the SDC Volunteer Awards are presented to individuals and organisations that actively engage in volunteer work, prioritise public service and constantly strive to have a positive impact on their communities.

“This year’s awards programme is particularly exciting as we honour Sheikha al Mayassa and Dr Sheikh Mohamed bin Eid al Thani for their outstanding achievements and announce the winners of four different categories,” said Amal al Mannai, SDC’s Executive Director. “We have seen great work that varies from individuals who contribute to key public milestones and youth initiatives to projects and institutions taking effective measures to enhance our community. We are proud to play a part. We recognise efforts that will make a difference in our Qatari footprint,” Mannai added.

Sponsored by the Qatar Olympic Committee (QOC), the award is celebrated every year on December 5, which marks International Volunteer Day across the world. This year’s award ceremony will be attended by Sheikha al Mayassa and other members of the royal family. The event will also be attended by VIPs and government representatives and officials.

“Our nine recognised volunteers, who make a conscious effort to give back to their communities in many different ways, are members of our society,” Mannai said.

Spread across four different categories, the winners of the Honorary Volunteer Award are Sheikha al Mayassa and Dr Sheikh Mohamed bin Eid al Thani. Winners of the Individual Volunteer Award are Ahmed Yousef al Ferdoni, Dara Mojab al Dosari, Shaqra Ismail al Zeyara, Ahmad Jassim al Jolo and Habes Mohammed Howail.

Meanwhile, Time Bank, GCMQatar won the Projects Award category and Qatar Society of Engineers won the Institution Award of the year. The panel of judges included Dr Kaltham al Ghanim, professor of Sociology at Qatar University, Dr Abdullah al Hamadi, former professor at Qatar University and Ayed al Kahtani, director RAF Foundation for Humanitarian Services.