Study Day Organized by Palestine Red Crescent Society (PRCS) /Khan Younis and Al Quds Open University

(Khan Younis- 18/12/2011): PRCS branch in Khan Younis organized, in cooperation with Al Quds Open University/Khan Younis Education Precinct, a study day on “voluntary work in Palestine” at Dr. Fathi Arafat Hall in PRCS Al Amal City.
 

The Open Day was attended by members of PRCS/Khan Younis Administrative Board, the Administrative Director of Al Amal City Mr. Jihad Abou Hatab, the Director of Al Quds Open University in Khan Younis Dr. AbdelNasser al Farra and several teachers, students and volunteers.
 

In her welcome address, Dr. Najat Al Astal, Head of PRCS/Khan Younis and member of the Society’s Executive Office, underlined the importance given by PRCS to the Youths and Volunteers Department, considered as a key PRCS pillar. “Volunteering is one of the seven principles of the International Movement of Red Cross and Red Crescent. Volunteers work in all PRCS sections including Emergency Medical Services, Psycho Social Support, Disaster Management and Rehabilitation to achieve one goal, mainly to help serve this country during these very dire conditions. Voluntary action helps build institutions and enhances community-based work for a better future”, she said. Al Astal then thanked all institutions which sponsor and support voluntary action, mainly Al Quds Open University.
 

The Open Day featured two sessions during which working papers were presented on the concept of voluntary action and how it embodies humanity. The first paper covered the role played by educational institutions in spreading the culture of volunteering amongst Palestinian students; the history of women-led voluntary movements in Palestine; voluntary action from theory to practice; future vision; and the participation of university students in voluntary action in Palestinian institutions. The second paper explained the motives for volunteering and its impact on the morale; voluntary action from an Islamic perspective; the link between voluntary action and the concept of “Food Coupons” in Gaza; and obstacles hindering voluntary work in the Gaza Strip.
 

Dr. Al Farra underlined the importance of volunteering in building communities and improving lives. “The development of societies depends on their human capital which must be educated, employed and capable of production, generosity and creativity. An unemployed human capital is both unproductive and obstructive”, he said.
Several other speeches were given by volunteers and by the Preparatory Committee. At the end of the day, Certificates of Appreciation were distributed to participants.