For every hand that made a difference

This week, the world celebrated International Volunteer Day, an occasion to say thanks for everyone who feels the others. Thanks for the young people who dedicate hours of their time to serve others. They participate in distributing aid, teaching children, eradicating illiteracy, accompanying the elderly, and helping every person in need without waiting for fees.

All appreciation to Mrs. Entisar El Sisi, who said: “All appreciation to everyone who has made 'giving' a way of life… and to every male and female volunteer who chose to be a light in the lives of others… Volunteers are the real power that creates hope and builds a more humane and compassionate nation… Thanks for every helping hand, every embracing heart, and every step that made a difference.” Her words shed light on a fundamental truth: that volunteering must be a way of thinking and a daily practice in a society that always needs support and cohesion.

Globally, the culture of volunteering is widespread, to the extent that it has become part of the ethical vision of nations. In Canada, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau participates in community service by working in food banks and distributing meals, standing among the volunteers as one of them. In Germany, Chancellor Olaf Scholz dedicated time to visiting homes of the elderly and people with special needs, pushing their wheelchairs and sitting with them in psychological and social support sessions. In Britain, ministers and officials volunteer in hospital support programs and fundraising campaigns. In the Scandinavian countries, volunteering is an essential part of public life, as ministers participate in cleaning beaches and green areas and caring for the elderly.

These examples confirm that volunteering is a state behavior… a complete vision that views humans as the focus of society, and service as an honor rather than a burden.

In Egypt, we can expand volunteering: voluntary supervision of schools, regular visits to the sick and elderly, psychological support for adolescents, initiatives to integrate people of determination, and teams to preserve the environment and organize neighborhoods. These forms of volunteering create a real impact and restore spirit to society because they connect a person to their fellow human being before connecting them to institutions. We must offer incentives for youth to engage in volunteering, such as providing scholarships or linking professional advancement to the number of volunteering hours completed.

All religions have encouraged volunteering by making helping others a path to closeness with God: charity (sadaqah), visiting the sick, aiding the distressed, and covering the needs of the poor… All are essentially acts of volunteering, reminding us that goodness is not a luxury but a responsibility.

All appreciation to every helping hand, and to every step that made a difference, and to every soul that believed that goodness is strength and that giving is part of being human.