By A Staff Reporter — MUSCAT — The 8th Nawras Goodwill Journey continues to touch the lives of people across the Sultanate on the fourth day, spreading a message of compassion and sharing during the month of Ramadhan. Marking its fourth destination, Nawras volunteers and journalists were happily greeted by the Omani Women’s Association in Al Suwaiq region yesterday.
Followed by lively performances by local children, the Nawras team distributed IT and communication devices such as laptops, printers, LCDs, DVDs and iPads to the Association in addition to home appliances for families in need. On the occasion, Maryam Salim al Qrini, Head of the Omani Women’s Association in Al Suwaiq and Health Educator at the Ministry of Health said, "There are 179 members involved with us right now. With the help of the volunteers and contributions from Nawras, we are able to provide the means to empower women in our wilayat by giving them moral support and vocational training."
The last stop for the day was Al Safa Government School in Al Mussanah where the Nawras team instantly got busy with paint buckets and brushes to make the most beautiful classroom for students with special needs. Sheikha al Jaradi, a teacher at A Safa School said, "This has been our dream project. It was so thoughtful of the Nawras family and media volunteers to make this a reality and we are really indebted to them for their valuable time to come so far to see us and truly make a difference."
Remaining true to its pleasingly different and caring spirit, Nawras introduces a different theme for each journey. This year’s theme revolved around IT and communication whereby Nawras will continue to distribute devices for the benefit of non-profit organisations in the Sultanate.
"We are really committed to our flagship social responsibility programme and a lot of thought has gone into planning this year’s voyage throughout Oman. The communities we choose to visit depend on the requests received from the respective organisations and our relationship with these NGOs. We try to include as many organisations as possible in our journey and aim to continue exceeding all expectations and spreading smiles throughout the nation," stated Khalid bin Ali al Zadjali, Nawras Events and Protocol Manager and leader of the Goodwill Journey.
The Nawras Goodwill Journey demonstrates the compassion the company instils in its internal culture and beyond. Juhaima Al Balushi, Nawras Customer Experience, finds the trip adept for the month of Ramadhan, "You have to be here to experience what we feel. You feel happy, excited and content for doing something that brings new meaning to life.
“The best part of it all is that you get to experience the journey with your team members as they become your family.”
Umaima al Balushi also working with Nawras Customer Experience said, "This is my first year and I really have the utmost respect for women who work in the interior for the purpose of uplifting the quality of life for families. Women do play very important roles in the society and only by encouraging them further to pursue career opportunities, there can be development in society."
Fahad al Balushi, Nawras Stock Manager and volunteer for the Nawras Goodwill Journey for the past seven years added, "Each journey is different and I feel this is part of what I want to do. When you realise that half the money you spend for your entertainment could mean better quality of education or living or a chance for life for those less fortunate, you start to think about the real purpose of life."
The journey plans to progress to Al Rustaq and back to Muscat completing the first leg of the 8th annual Nawras Goodwill Journey.
Every Ramadhan since 2005, the Nawras convoy of goodwill messengers has been reaching out to schools and charitable associations across the Sultanate during Ramadan.
By setting up computer centres, gardens and playgrounds, extending help in renovating buildings and making charitable donations, Nawras gets closer to communities across Oman and help those most in need.
