ABU DHABI, 11th January, 2023 (WAM) — Since the launch of Umm Al Emarat Park's volunteer programme in November 2022, over 72 students have participated, putting in over 576 hours to support the Park's weekly family-friendly event, the Park Market.
The students, who hail from high schools across Abu Dhabi, have been instrumental in providing support across areas including logistics, event operations and guest relations.
The programme offers students a dynamic and friendly environment to gain work experience, give back to their community by supporting SMEs and enhance soft skills that will set them up for success as they prepare for higher education.
Set to run until March of this year, the programme continues to welcome applications from students who wish to volunteer.
Commenting on the volunteer programme, Rasha Kablawi, Head of Umm Al Emarat Park's corporate affairs and communication department, said, "As a community-focused park, we are firmly committed to providing youngsters with opportunities for personal and professional development. This is core to our volunteer programme, which has seen an overwhelmingly positive response to date from students across the emirate."
"Not only has the experience been enriching for our volunteers, but likewise for our teams and partners who have thoroughly enjoyed working with the young students. A family-friendly event delivered for the community by the community, our Park Market vendors are mainly UAE-based entrepreneurs and small business owners. This provides a particularly valuable experience for students keen to explore the business world, enabling them to support local and homegrown enterprises," she continued.
Several volunteers registered with Umm Al Emarat's programme to help strengthen their resumes ahead of preparing to apply to university.
Grade 12 student Karim Ahmed commented, "The programme has benefited me greatly, especially as I can count the experience towards my university application. By volunteering at the Park, I've been able to improve my communication skills by working closely with the Park Market's vendors, and the Park's staff as well as guiding visitors to the park".
Others were pleased to have had the opportunity to volunteer in the great outdoors, as opposed to completing an internship at a desk job.
Grade 12 student Bassil Herzallah said, "I was looking to do something beneficial yet active and fun, so Umm Al Emarat Park's volunteer programme was the perfect one to enrol in. The atmosphere was incredibly joyful and choc-full of activities all the time."
Grade 12 student Sarah Shawah mentioned her gratitude to be able to volunteer in such a positive environment. "Volunteering at the Park helped me improve both my communication and social skills, as I was an asset at supporting visitors and vendors. Everyone I had the chance to work with at the Park felt like family.
The best part of the experience was drawing a smile on people's faces and feeling their appreciation for my work. I would definitely recommend enrolling with Umm Al Emarat Park's volunteer programme and led a helping hand to our community."
Known as Abu Dhabi's favourite green destination, Umm Al Emarat Park is one of the oldest and largest urban parks in Abu Dhabi, bringing together families and friends to relax, exercise and play in the heart of the city.