AL AIN // A group of young volunteers went to an Al Ain hospital to make a difference in the lives of others, but it turned out to be a life-changing experience for them, too.
They worked between eight and 12 hours a day, helping patients and staff at Oasis Hospital as it moved into its new home.
“The scale of the move needed volunteers to help,” said Roger Knight, a human resources consultant at the hospital.
“Afterwards, they helped patients find their way to the various departments in the new building. They proved to be invaluable.
“It’s amazing that they took the time during their school holidays to come and help us. The only thing we provided them was food.”
The construction of the hospital’s new building was made possible by a grant from the Abu Dhabi Government, a gift announced by Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed on behalf of President Sheikh Khalifa in 2006.
Sheikh Mohammed, Crown Prince and Deputy Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, and several other members of the Royal Family were born at the Oasis, the first hospital to be built in Abu Dhabi emirate.
“My sister works at the hospital and suggested the idea, and I said ‘Why not’,” 15-year-old Zuhair Ishaq from Pakistan said.
The pupils described their time volunteering as an amazing experience.
“My mum is a nurse here, and she encouraged me to sign up,” said Jaylord De Guzman, 12, from the Philippines.
Indian volunteer Divya Dharshini, 18, said she had some of the most precious moments of her life at Oasis.
“Seeing pregnant women coming in for labour, and then a few days later leaving with a baby in their arms is the most beautiful thing,” she said.
ealdhaheri@thenational.ae