Thirty student volunteers from the College of the North Atlantic Qatar (CNAQ) have gone on a week-long service and learning trip to Tunisia for a school renovation project in the western Jendouba Province of the country.
Organised by Reach Out To Asia (Rota) and sponsored by Vodafone Qatar, the trip is a part of an agreement signed between Rota and CNAQ in
April 2011.
“At Vodafone Qatar, we believe in the impact that volunteering and community service can have on youths’ personal and professional development, which is why we sponsored the Rota International Outreach Programme,” said Dana Haidan, Head of Corporate Responsibility at Vodafone Qatar.
The trip is a part of Rota’s efforts aimed at fostering the spirit of volunteerism in Qatar. During the trip, volunteers will also participate in activities that engage the local community.
“Our activity programme is designed to immerse the students in the local culture and ensure they benefit from a positive learning experience throughout the visit, while also leaving time to enjoy their visit to Tunisia,” said Rota Volunteer Programme Manager, George Tavola.
For this trip, Rota is working with Tunisia Charity, a local organisation that supports the abilities of the most vulnerable groups in society and has focused on emergency relief and areas as diverse as education, water and sanitation, health and nutrition and sponsorship of orphans.
“At CNAQ, we are inspired by the conviction that volunteerism is a powerful means of engaging people in tackling development challenges worldwide. Our volunteers are excited to have this extraordinary opportunity to make a positive impact in the lives of people in Tunisia,” said CNAQ International Education Coordinator, Candace Jesson.
Rota National Programmes Director, Mohamed Abdulla Saleh, said: “The Rota-CNAQ volunteers visiting Tunisia have a wonderful opportunity to participate in a project that will shape the future of many young people. We look forward to hearing about their experiences when they return home. The volunteers are motivated to connect with international communities, their sense of achievement inspiring them to further volunteerism. Through this experience the volunteers will develop and practice cross-cultural communication skills, leadership, teamwork and problem solving skills.”
After returning home, the volunteers and supporters will participate in a ‘Reflection Event’ where they will discuss and share their Tunisian experiences.
The Peninsula
