Do you think there is a culture of volunteerism in Oman?

Sehrish Fahim, dentist
Yes. Oman has a culture of volunteerism. The number of charity organisations in the sultanate is proof of this. People here like to serve the society.

Naheed Pervaiz, Homemaker
People in Oman like to engage in volunteerism. I have read many reports in newspapers about how small groups of people have begun initiatives to help the society. However, the same spirit needs to be developed in the new generation, too.

Sulaiman al Riyami, HSE official
The people of Oman are helpful by nature and never shy away from working for a social cause. I think the spirit of volunteerism is part of our culture. We just need to develop it further and ensure that our youth carry the tradition forward.

C Y Shameer, Private sector employee
Oman has a tradition of helping others and volunteerism comes naturally to it. But I think the spirit will soon see end one day as most youth today are busy with themselves. Social interaction is zilch as most of the time is spent in front of the screens.

Murad Ali, Marketing executive
Oman needs to improve a lot on engaging people in volunteerism activities. I have heard a lot of associations complaining about lack of volunteers. We need to instill the spirit of helping others and understand others'' pain.

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Do you think there are enough volunteering organisations in Oman? Have you ever done volunteering in Oman?

George Phillip, Management consultant
I have volunteered before, but not in Oman. I know that there are organisations in the sultanate working to help cancer patients as my wife volunteers for their activities. She helps make and donate clothes for such organisations. However, we need more clarification from the Ministry of Manpower, because I''ve heard incidents of people getting into trouble for volunteering.

Shaheer al Hadi, PRO
I''ve helped people but not through any organisation. I know of some organisations in Oman such as Al Rahma that do a lot of charity work. We can encourage volunteerism through advertisements, announcements and posters.

Beneesh Koyileth, IT engineer
I have read various reports on volunteering activities in newspapers, but I don''t know of any organisation. I''ve volunteered in my home country India, but here I''m too busy with work.

Dharmang Shah, Sales and marketing
I haven''t heard of any volunteering group in Oman. I''ve volunteered to help promote events when I was younger. But I''m fully occupied with my job here. We can raise awareness about volunteering through offices and social media platforms.

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How can we encourage more volunteering?

Balqis al Farsi, Engineer
We need to inculcate the value of volunteerism among the youth especially students. Schools can play an important role by including volunteerism in their curriculum and making it an integral aspect of a child''s development. The youth can also start by working in the community and help the less privileged.

Rimaz al Tulaibi, Student
Volunteerism does not just mean donating money. A smile and a kind word are also a part of volunteerism. We need to begin at the grassroot level and inculcate the importance of volunteerism in our children.

Salem al Rutani, Retired government employee
Social media can be an important tool in this regard. Schools too have a huge responsibility in inculcating volunteerism among their students. Authorities should hold programmes through which people can be trained to become skilled volunteers.

Ahmed al Hosni, Senior HSE officer
The best way to encourage volunteerism is by forming a network through which we can spread the importance of helping communities. Besides, connecting people, such networks also help share reflections and come up with ideas to involve more people in charitable activities.

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What kinds of issues do you think volunteers should be involved with?

Naseem, Private sector employee
Volunteers are most required during natural calamities and in campaigns related to conserving the environment. Authorities should organise seminars and campaigns to make people understand the importance of helping fellow beings and doing their part for the society.

Qanber al Balushi, Private sector employee
Volunteers are most needed in issues related to the environment. Moreover, people can participate in it easily. Though there are many organisations that are active in the field of eco conservation, I am sure they will be more than happy to get more volunteers as a lot needs to be done.

Zunera Ahmed, Teacher
There are many fields in Oman that need volunteers. An important area is environment. Volunteers can play an important role by not just spreading awareness but also starting conservation initiatives.

Raja Nepolean, Engineer
An issue that needs to be addressed immediately is addiction to the Internet. People from all sections of the society can volunteer to highlight the harms. Experts from law enforcing agencies and other fields should form groups and spread awareness on the disadvantages of staying glued to screens.

Qanber al Balushi, Private sector employee
Volunteers are most needed in issues related to the environment. Moreover, people can participate in it easily. Though there are many organisations that are active in the field of eco conservation, I am sure they will be more than happy to get more volunteers as a lot needs to be done.

Reju K, Photographer
Road safety is an important concern for Oman considering the high accident rate. Volunteers in this field can not just spread awareness but also help road accident victims.