Ammon News - AMMONNEWS - Jordanian Crown Prince Hussein bin Abdullah II recently launched "Tatawaa" (Volunteer), an initiative to reinforce volunteerism and build a culture of social responsibility in local communities.

Engaging in such work is "the best way for volunteers to build their character and interact with society, as it equips them with communication and planning skills to work as part of a team, which are qualities that are highly desirable in the job market", he said at the July 24th launch.

Volunteer work fosters citizenship and builds a solid society, which is a fundamental pillar for national unity and solidarity, he said.

The initiative seeks to strengthen volunteerism in Jordan and promote a culture of social responsibility.

It will be implemented by the King Abdullah II Fund for Development, the INJAZ Foundation and the UN, and will target students at schools, colleges and universities, public and private sector professionals, civil society, Jordanian companies and volunteering centres.

The initiative comes at the right time and is a positive step for Jordan, said Jordan River Foundation media spokesman Ayham Samawi.

"Unfortunately, Jordan has no institution for volunteer work and efforts in this regard are disjointed," he told Al-Shorfa. "This initiative is important because it will play a huge role in regulating volunteer work and increasing co-ordination amongst the different organisations, which, in the end, will lead to better results for this kind of work."

"We badly needed such an initiative, since consolidating efforts will encourage more young Jordanians to become volunteers, which is an integral part of a civic culture in Jordan and plays a huge developmental role in local communities," he said.

Volunteer work such as taking part in street cleaning campaigns, visiting patients and orphans, cleaning and maintaining schools and other such tasks encourage young people to do good deeds that are beneficial to everyone, especially during the summer holiday period, he said.

Amman bank employee Hala Mohammed told Al-Shorfa she volunteers as often as she can.

"I always enjoy doing volunteer work," she said. "During the month of Ramadan, in particular, I visit several orphans and elderly people to give them food and join them for an iftar meal." "Volunteer work is great and fosters empathy towards others," she added.

Social volunteer work "strengthens a person's life skills and improves communication skills", said sociologist Hussam Ayesh.

"The benefits of volunteer work are not restricted to society alone, but also benefit individuals themselves as it strengthens values of amity, compassion, solidarity and empathy," he told Al-Shorfa.

Ayesh stressed the importance of volunteer work in taking advantage of young people's energy and filling up their spare time with something useful.

*Al-Shorfa