Volunteer work during Ramadan: 138,000 hours through the efforts of municipalities and housing authorities
The Ministry of Municipalities and Housing revealed remarkable statistics reflecting the growing culture of volunteerism in Saudi Arabia, with 138,560 volunteer hours recorded during the first ten days of Ramadan. This achievement was made possible by the participation of over 9,700 volunteers who actively engaged in the Ministry's volunteer program through a series of field initiatives covering the municipal and housing sectors across the Kingdom.
Record numbers reflect the spirit of giving
The ministry explained in its statement that these record numbers were not achieved by chance, but rather are the result of meticulous planning to leverage the spirituality of the holy month to serve the community. Volunteer efforts included organizing the headquarters of the "Jood Housing" initiative, which served over 2,500 beneficiaries and streamlined housing support procedures to ensure swift completion. Simultaneously, volunteers actively distributed 12,000 iftar meals in streets and public parks, ensuring they reached those fasting at appropriate times, thus embodying the highest ideals of social solidarity.
Volunteer work and the Kingdom's Vision 2030
These efforts come within a significant historical and strategic context, as the Kingdom's Vision 2030 has set an ambitious goal of reaching one million volunteers annually. The Ministry of Municipalities and Housing plays a pivotal role in this context by institutionalizing volunteer work and transforming it from scattered individual efforts into organized, impactful institutional work. This surge in volunteer hours within a short period is a testament to the success of national plans in stimulating community participation and raising individual awareness of the importance of contributing to national development, as volunteering has become a fundamental pillar of the National Transformation Program.
Improving the urban landscape and measuring impact
The initiatives were not limited to charitable work; they also extended to improving the quality of life and services. The Ministry indicated that volunteers conducted more than 3,000 field surveys aimed at measuring residents' satisfaction with municipal services. This step is of paramount importance as it provides accurate data for decision-makers, supporting continuous development and enhancing performance efficiency in Saudi cities, thereby strengthening transparent communication channels between government agencies and the community.
Comprehensive developmental and social dimensions
The Ministry affirmed that volunteer work in the municipal and housing sectors transcends mere working hours, serving as a vital pillar for strengthening national cohesion and empowering youth. These volunteer opportunities contribute to honing volunteers' skills and integrating them into the labor market, in addition to solidifying a culture of shared responsibility. These achievements are an extension of social responsibility programs and the development of the non-profit sector, underscoring the Ministry's commitment to aligning with the ambitious goals of the Vision to enhance the economic and social returns of volunteering in the Kingdom.
