Saudi Scouts: Volunteering is a way of life and a national responsibility
The Saudi Arabian Scouts Association considers International Volunteer Day a crucial humanitarian milestone for reviving the spirit of giving and reinforcing noble values. The association emphasized that volunteer work in the Kingdom is no longer a fleeting seasonal activity tied to specific occasions, but has transformed into a way of life and an institutionalized work methodology that effectively contributes to sustainable development. This affirmation coincides with the global movement in which more than 57 million scouts worldwide are participating to serve their communities.
The Vice President of the Association, Dr. Abdulrahman Al-Mudaires, stressed that celebrating this day goes beyond the protocol of honoring volunteers, to celebrating the noble values they carry, and their pivotal role in creating a positive impact that extends into the lives of others with high awareness and responsibility, noting that scouting is a true school of giving.
The culture of volunteer work and Vision 2030
The director described volunteer work as a comprehensive culture that shapes an individual's self-awareness and awareness of their community, instilling a deep sense of belonging. He refuted the notion that it is merely a reaction to emergency situations. He explained that this concept directly aligns with the goals of the Kingdom's Vision 2030 , which aims to reach one million volunteers annually. He noted that the Scouts play a leading role in achieving this target through their year-round programs, making volunteers active partners in the national development process.
A rich history and a global model
Dr. Al-Mudaires cited the long history of the Scout Movement, which began in 1907, as one of the world's most important incubators of public service concepts. Today, this movement comprises a vast network of Scouts spread across 176 countries, all working under the unified motto of "Service for Others.".
On the local level, the Saudi Scouts have presented an inspiring and historic national model, especially during the Hajj and Umrah seasons . For decades, Scouts have been deployed in the holy sites to provide services to pilgrims, from guiding lost individuals to assisting the elderly and cooperating with health and security authorities. This is a practical manifestation of the wise leadership's support for this vital sector.
The message of tolerance and the “Messengers of Peace” initiative
The association highlighted Saudi Arabia's global role in this field through the "Messengers of Peace" World Scouting project, which originated in the Kingdom with generous government support and has since traveled across the globe carrying a message of tolerance and dialogue. This initiative has enabled millions of young people worldwide to develop impactful projects that serve their communities and support the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, thus placing the Kingdom at the heart of the global scouting movement.
Building leaders for the future
The director explained that the scouting curriculum, based on "learning by doing," has successfully transformed volunteering into a daily habit for young people, grounded in the principles of duty towards God, others, and oneself. This educational approach contributes to building leadership qualities and empowering individuals to give back, transforming simple individual initiatives into tangible collective impact that serves the nation.
The association concluded its statement by emphasizing that volunteering is a school for creating leaders and building bridges of community trust, renewing its commitment to remain a beacon of social responsibility and a true laboratory for producing positive behavior that serves the nation and all of humanity.
