A nine-year-old Emirati boy is the youngest winner of the Sharjah Volunteer Award.

Fourth-grade pupil Ghaith Ismail has taken part in 30 volunteering missions across the country and was selected for the Sharjah Volunteer Award in the student category for his work over the past year, according to state news agency WAM.

Watching his parents and older sisters participate in charity projects inspired him to volunteer his time.

He also saves money and then makes donations of at least Dh1 in charity boxes when he is out with his parents.

The award has motivated Ghaith to continue helping others, said his father, Ismail Mohammed, a Dubai Health Authority employee. The award, which is organised by the Sharjah Government, is presented to institutions, companies and individuals who have made contributions in voluntary work through their time, effort or money.

It aims to attract young people to social service programmes, encourage them to participate in public welfare initiatives and build a culture of voluntary work in the UAE, as well as encourage the formation of balanced Islamic members of society who are united in belief, ideology, brotherliness and cooperation, according to the award website.

The award is presented under the auspices of Dr Sheikh Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Ruler of Sharjah.
Source: The National