The Sindh Institute of Urology and Transplantation (SIUT) has initiated a new programme to spread the trend of volunteering among schoolchildren through involving schools across Karachi.
Students from different schools were invited to participate in the programme, which provided them with an opportunity to serve patients and gather the experience of social service that is a source of inspiration for other students as well.
“The SIUT is making all-out efforts under the adroit leadership of Prof Dr Adib Rizvi to actuate the concept of constructive social work by providing health services,” said Prof Dr Anwar Naqvi at the ceremony on Saturday.
The certificate distribution ceremony of the 25th batch of the volunteer programme was held at the SIUT and was attended by a large number of parents, teachers and students.
Naqvi said the volunteer programme of SIUT is an inspiration for students to come forward and pursue it in their daily lives, bringing an overall change in the society.
He said, “Students worked with the staff members of the SIUT and provided non-medical nursing services to the patients.”
He added that the students were also imparted with first-aid training, and the volunteers were also provided information about SIUT outpatient and radiology departments, laboratory, dialysis unit, and lithotripsy, transplantation and other medical facilities.
Praising the enthusiasm showed by the young volunteers during their training, Resource Generation and Outreach Department Chairperson Kishwer Zehra said 120 students completed 30 hours of training at SIUT, in which they assisted parents and nurses to help other patients in different wards.
She said, “About 2,500 students have participated in the programme so far since its inception. I hope the volunteers who are participating in the programme follow the code of service they have learned here throughout their life.”
The concept of public service as Prof Rizvi has dreamt would flourish in the society through these volunteers, she added.
Students speaking on the occasion said the programme has helped them understand the value of life as these sorts of programmes have a positive impact on the learning process of students.
At the end of the programme, renowned composer Javed Mir and Zenab Imran sung SIUT’s song “Aao milkar baantein dukh, sukh ki baat karein”, which was admired by the participants.