Saudi Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development awarded Ithra the 2024 National Volunteering Award for private sector empowerment. The ceremony, attended by Minister Ahmed Al-Rajhi, honoured Ithra’s exceptional volunteerism initiatives. Ithra has engaged over 18,000 volunteers, achieving 900,000 service hours since its inception and 170,000 hours this year.
Promoting a Culture of Volunteers
The award celebrates Ithra’s efforts to inspire and motivate volunteers across Saudi Arabia to contribute to societal development. Ithra fosters a positive societal attitude toward volunteering, recognizing diverse efforts and supporting impactful contributions. Its unique programs aim to create tangible, positive impacts on human development and enhance community leadership roles.
On December 6, Ithra unveiled new milestones in volunteer training, emphasizing the role of active citizenship in impactful volunteerism. Acting Operations Manager Wadha Al-Nafjan highlighted training achievements, including 136 volunteers learning sign language for the first time this year. Ithra also trained 159 young volunteers, contributing 7,000 service hours toward creating a sustainable and skilled volunteer workforce.
Honouring Volunteers Challenge Winners
The Ithra Volunteer Challenge recognized outstanding teams excelling in diverse categories, including sustainability, empowerment, and enhancement. Team “Nomo” led in sustainability, while Team “Awj” and Team “Somo” excelled in empowerment and enhancement, respectively. A panel discussion featuring experts explored the transformative power of volunteerism in shaping lives and organizations.
Sustained Excellence in Volunteer Leadership
Ithra has now won the National Volunteering Award for private sector empowerment three times—2021, 2023, and 2024—solidifying its leadership. In 2019 and 2021, Ithra became the first Saudi volunteer unit to adopt the national sustainability standard, Idama. Its comprehensive training programs reflect its ongoing dedication to empowering volunteers.
Building a Sustainable Volunteer Future
Ithra’s programs aim to maximize volunteer potential, fostering a knowledge-driven economy and making a long-lasting societal impact. Volunteers contribute 30% of Ithra’s daily operations, underscoring their importance to the center’s mission. Through annual celebrations and innovative initiatives, Ithra continues to spread a culture of service and community leadership across Saudi Arabia.
