Sharjah is more than just its museums, cultural centres, and waterfronts—it’s a community that thrives on unity, empathy, and action. If you're looking to get involved and contribute to society, Sharjah offers a range of volunteering opportunities. These volunteering opportunities can be applied to at any time of the year, and there are some special ones that can be availed in certain months only, like the Holy Month of Ramadan.
So, without further ado, here's a guide to 8 fantastic ways you can make a positive impact!
1. Sharjah Volunteer Center
Best for: General volunteering, community development projects.
Sharjah Volunteer Center is an initiative by the Sharjah Social Services Department (SSSD) that connects volunteers with various programs across the city. Whether you want to work with children and the elderly or help in public events, this platform offers diverse opportunities.
💡 Tip: Check out their online portal for the latest opportunities and registration process. You’ll find activities throughout the year... I saw and registered for quite a few of them as well!
2. Emirates Red Crescent – Sharjah Branch
Best for: Humanitarian relief and disaster support
The Emirates Red Crescent is renowned for providing aid both within the UAE and internationally. Volunteers can engage in relief efforts, blood drives, and other community outreach programs. Sharjah’s branch is actively involved in spreading awareness about health and wellness as well.
It is one of the most well-known volunteering platforms in the UAE, and volunteering with them can actually open new doors for you in future humanitarian work, perhaps even as a job.
3. Bee'ah’s Environmental Volunteering Program
Best for: Sustainability and environmental conservation
If you're passionate about the environment, and love planting saplings or cleaning beaches, then look no further than Bee'ah, Sharjah's leading environmental management company, which offers programs for eco-conscious individuals like you.
Volunteers who registered with Bee'ah will take part in recycling campaigns, beach cleanups, and sometimes even workshops that raise environmental awareness. It is a really good way to get started with volunteering, and I would wholeheartedly recommend it to anyone who is looking forward to the start of their social journey.
4. Sharjah Art Foundation
Best for: Arts and culture enthusiasts
Yeah, I know what you're thinking: Art? What volunteering opportunities could possibly be in it? Well, if you think that, then you're another victim of the popular but wrong belief that volunteering is only helping the poor. If you love art and enjoy being part of creative projects, the Sharjah Art Foundation offers several volunteering opportunities.
You could help organize exhibitions, assist with art workshops, or support public programs that engage the local community with art and culture. Plus, you'll have a fun time too, engaging with the artworks yourself: That's what I'd call a win-win situation!
💡 Tip: Before volunteering here try to visit art museums or exhibitions, because the Sharjah Art Foundation deeply values volunteers that are well-informed in art and passionate about it.
5. Friends of Cancer Patients (FOCP)
Best for: Health and wellness initiatives, and cancer awareness
This non-profit organization works tirelessly to raise awareness about cancer and support patients and their families. Volunteers participate in health campaigns, fundraising events, and patient support activities.
The neat part is that FOCP offers both long-term and short-term volunteering opportunities, so you can contribute regardless of how packed your schedule is. After all, anyone can make time in their day to brighten up the lives of ill people.
6. Sharjah Museums Authority
Best for: Lovers of history and culture
We've all been to a museum at least once in our lives, right? Remember the guide who eagerly explained the historical significance of each of the artefacts in the most mesmerizing way? Well, now you can be that guide to others!
Sharjah’s museums offer volunteer roles to those who are passionate about preserving history and cultural heritage. You help in educational activities, visitor assistance, and organizing exhibitions at the many museums under their authority. This opportunity is especially great for students interested in history, art, and heritage. But if you're not that keen on these topics, don't worry: It may not be for you, but you'll certainly enjoy the next one...
7. Sharjah Animal Shelter
Best for: Animal lovers
Love animals? Of course you do! No matter what your previous volunteering experiences are (that means even if you're completely new to volunteering), Sharjah Animal Shelter provides a chance for you to care for abandoned pets... so you can have the time of your life with them, and they can have the time of their life with you! Animal Volunteers assist with feeding, socializing, and caring for animals until they find a forever home.
💡 Tip: If you're planning to volunteer regularly, consider fostering pets to give them a loving temporary home.
8. Al Ihsan Charity Association
Best for: Community service and philanthropy
Just up there with SSSD and Red Crescent, this well-known association helps low-income families by providing them with financial and emotional support. You can engage in distributing food and essentials, organizing community programs, and supporting various charity events.
Volunteering with Al Ihsan is a great way to immerse yourself in the spirit of giving, especially during Ramadan and other festive seasons.
Why Volunteer in Sharjah? That's actually an easy question: because you CAN! In my opinion one should never wait for a reason to begin volunteering... because if you do, then it is not out of passion. If you feel like you can contribute to another person's life in a positive way, then you should begin volunteering today itself!
It not only helps the community but also boosts your personal growth, improves mental well-being, and creates meaningful connections for you with other volunteers... perhaps even friendships that last a lifetime (I'm speaking from experience!) . Many volunteering programs in Sharjah offer certificates and recognition, making it also a great way to build your resume and develop new skills. If you needed a reason, now you've got plenty. So, abandon the mindset of volunteering for your benefit, and start doing it just because you can.
If you guys know of any other volunteering opportunities in Sharjah, share them in the comments below, and I'll add them here. Happy volunteering! 😊
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