Former Secretary-General of the Ministry of Youth
Jordan joins countries around the world in celebrating International Volunteer Day which occurs on December 5th each year. This is an opportunity to highlight the significant efforts of volunteers and a chance to appreciate their positive impact in their communities by enhancing awareness about the value of volunteer work and its role in developing nations and reinforcing social cohesion.
This day aims to inspire others to join the path of giving by highlighting success stories and experiences in volunteer work, which leave a profound impact on society. It enhances values of solidarity and integration among its members, as volunteering represents a human behavior that embodies the sincere desire to serve others and contribute to improving their lives.
Volunteer work has a solid value in Islam; the Holy Quran encourages it by saying, "Whoever volunteers good, it is better for him." It confirms that goodness returns to the doer before anyone else. The prophetic traditions reinforce this meaning through several sayings, the most notable being the Prophet's words: "Allah helps the servant as long as the servant helps his brother," emphasizing the strength of community bond and the role of volunteer initiatives in strengthening social fabric.
Jordan and the world celebrated this day under the slogan "Every Contribution Makes a Difference," a clear indication that every volunteer act, no matter how small, can have a significant impact on society. Jordan has a rich history in volunteer work, known for its cooperative spirit and engagement in serving their community—deep-rooted attributes that form part of the national identity.
Volunteer work in Jordan enjoys special care and attention from the Hashemite leadership, particularly by His Royal Highness Prince Hussein bin Abdullah II, Crown Prince, who launched the Hussein Award for Volunteer Work and the Volunteering Charter in 2021, aimed at promoting volunteer culture, organizing volunteer efforts, empowering youth, and showcasing exemplars of altruism in various fields.
The impact of volunteering is not limited to the social aspect but also serves as an important lever for the national economy. It helps relieve the burden on institutions, enhance the efficiency of public services, and equips youth with practical skills and experiences that increase their readiness for the job market, as well as boost the social capital which is a key element in sustainable economic development.
In conclusion, the culture of volunteering is increasingly prevalent and widespread among the youth in Jordan, where it has transformed into a deeply ingrained community behavior that supports the development path, improves quality of life, strengthens social ties, and positions Jordan as a model of generosity and humanitarian initiative.
