SALALAH — Nawras has reported great success in the first phase of Goodwill Journey 3 which concluded at Salalah after a long trip from Sinaw via Wilayat Al Jazer.

The logistical planning required for a mission of this size and magnitude was perfect all the way and there were no problems encountered at any stage.

At Al Jazer on Tuesday, the convoy delivered donations comprising air-conditioners, refrigerators and washing machines to the residents at a ceremony held under the auspices of Sheikh Harith bin Saif Al Dughaishi, deputy wali of Al Jazer.

In Salalah, the Nawras team handed over aid material to the Al Noor Association for the Blind, including folding walking sticks for the blind, special Braille watches, a vehicle to make transportation simpler as well as other related items for the blind.

Al Dughaishi emphasised the role of the private sector as well as that of individuals in supporting the society. Exhorting other companies, corporates and business houses to follow the example set by Nawras in caring for the community in this special way, he said they must make their contributions on a regular basis.

Speaking to the media persons, Salim Al Mahrooqi, director, Social Development Centre, said the donations would be used to make life easier for the residents. The donations will be given to elderly and orphans, among others, he said.

Appreciating the magnanimous gesture of Nawras in donations, he said that this is the first time that private sector organisation had come forward with donations for the wilayat.

As the Nawras Goodwill Journey made its way into Salalah, on day three, Khalid Ali Al Zadjali, Nawras protocol and events manager and the leader of the journey spoke to the press about the achievements of the journey thus far against the backdrop of the previous two trips.

To a question about the lessons learnt from the previous two trips, Khalid said: “Before the concept of the journey was launched, we were not so sure about what it would be like, particularly with regard to the benefits to the society and, more importantly, the benefits to Nawras and its employees.

“But after two years I can say with complete confidence that the whole exercise has been a tremendous success and we have grown from strength to strength and learnt many things.”

He said: “The Goodwill Journey has benefitted the Nawras employees at many levels.

“First, it has developed a strong sense of bonding, team spirit, leadership and organisational skills among the staff members who go on these trips as volunteers, giving them a strong sense of purpose and motivation, both as Nawras employee and as better human beings.”

Khalid added that such journeys provided several opportunities for Nawras employees to get a close and more intimate look at the various regions of their country and get to know about its people and culture.

At another level he said that by taking the time to understand the problems of the less privileged, it would “bring out into the open the spirit of selfless service and compassion among our staff members, specially those who participate in such initiatives.”

Khalid said: “By going on these trips, I have come to know and understand better the needs of handicapped children. Not only have I become more responsive to their needs, but each of our team members has become more responsive and caring. In every sense they have become Goodwill Ambassadors, getting closer to the people in every way.”

He added that “Nawras’ active support and help to various social organisations had set a precedent for social service and shown other corporates and business houses that they have a larger role to play in society”.

To ensure that the Goodwill Journey achieves its purpose, Nawras communicated in advance with the charitable associations that were on their itinerary, ascertaining the specific needs and requirements of each organisation in which a good number of items were delivered.

Sharing his happiness on the success of the journey, Nasib Al Qarni, Nawras procurement specialist and co-leader of the convoy spoke about the excellent participation of the team members in terms of a helping hand.

“I am glad to see that all the team members got so actively involved and in the right spirit.”

He hoped to see the same level of participation in the next phase of the Goodwill Journey 3 starting from Saturday.

On challenges faced while planning the journey, Nasib said: “The routes taken were long and a little bit rough but all the worries were forgotten when we saw the smiling faces of the under-privileged after we gave them their gifts and donations.

“I see this journey as a very important part of our social corporate responsibility and as an opportunity to show just how Nawras cares about the less fortunate while encouraging other companies and individuals to do the same,” he added.

Nasib expressed his satisfaction on the preparations made for the trip and said no problems were encountered in terms of vehicles used as they underwent comprehensive checkups.

“We are happy that we did not suffer any delays in our busy schedule as compared to the last journey.”

On the first two days, donations covering electrical and electronic equipment for homes such as refrigerators, ACs, and washing machines besides furniture and other accessories were handed over to the office of the wali of Quriyat, the Social Development Office and the Omani Women’s Association for distribution.

The convoy also delivered aid to the handicapped children in Jaalan Bani Bu Hassan, and spent time with them.

They delivered books, computers, toys as well as other educational material in addition to having fun with the kids of the association.

Adding significane to the this goodwill exercise is the fact that it is happening during the holy month of Ramadan.