The Community Development Authority (CDA), a government entity mandated with enhancing the social development in Dubai, has launched an accredited volunteer programme to mark International Volunteer Day on December 5.

The programme serves the security, health and culture sectors to enhance the culture of volunteering, said a statement from CDA.

As per the programme, CDA will organise training courses that focus on strengthening awareness on volunteering. CDA will co-ordinate with Dubai government organizations and public benefit associations to involve more volunteers in various activities.

CDA will soon announce another programme that consists of several integrated systems to promote volunteering in Dubai including volunteer registration, opportunities for members of the community, limiting working hours, training and evaluation and volunteer rights, said a top official.

“Voluntary work is a social duty that leads to convergence, cohesion and linkage between the various segments of the community. It is also a way to express the individual feelings of loyalty and sense of belonging with the society,” said Khalid Al Kamda, director general, CDA.

“CDA has a special department called the “Volunteer Affairs Department“ concerned with volunteer work in Dubai. It is responsible for supervising volunteer work across all sectors, and also for preparing individuals to take up volunteering activity by training them to achieve the required objectives,” he added.-TradeArabia News Service