Development of Volunteering in Turkmenistan: The Triumph of Well-being and Humanism

Effective initiatives are consistently implemented in our country to promote humanitarian principles, enhance the social activity of youth, and advance the volunteer movement to new horizons. A clear testament to this is the National Camp for Active NRCST Volunteers, organized from November 4 to 6, 2026, at the "Yashlyk" Children's Health and Rehabilitation Center, located in the picturesque natural setting of Gokdere. This event was organized at a high institutional level by the Headquarters of the National Red Crescent Society of Turkmenistan (NRCST) within the framework of the projects "Development of Volunteering in Turkmenistan" and "Supporting the Auxiliary Role of the National Society in the Humanitarian Sphere." Active volunteers representing various velayats of our country—Ahal, Mary, Lebap, Dashoguz, and Balkan—as well as the city of Ashgabat, participated in the training camp with great enthusiasm. Throughout the three days of training sessions, participants received comprehensive knowledge and acquired practical skills in the most vital areas of volunteer work. In accordance with the seminar agenda, the training covered the following essential topics: • First Aid Skills in Emergency Situations: Volunteers enhanced their practical methods of providing first medical aid to victims during sudden hardships, as well as in natural and man-made disasters. It was emphasized that the correct and timely delivery of first aid plays a decisive role in saving human lives. • Restoring Family Links: International and national experiences, as well as the principles of ongoing activities regarding the search for family members separated or who have lost contact due to various reasons and emergencies, and the restoration of links between them, were explained. • Emergency Practical Sessions and Group Tent Pitching: One of the most engaging moments of the training seminar was the outdoor practical sessions. Divided into groups, the volunteers practically tested the techniques of fast and correct deployment of temporary shelters and tents when an emergency situation arises. • Psychological Support: The subtle techniques of providing psychological first aid to individuals in difficult life situations, victims, and those experiencing psychological distress (anxiety/stress), as well as methods to lift their spirits and offer emotional support, were studied. • Code of Conduct for NRCST Volunteers: Detailed emphasis was placed on the volunteers' strict adherence to core principles such as confidentiality, neutrality, fairness, and professional ethics in their humanitarian work. The importance of appropriate behavior in society and following the requirements of the code was also highlighted. This event, organized in the environmentally pristine area of Gokdere, not only equipped participants with theoretical knowledge and practical skills but also further strengthened friendly relations between the regions. The youth, nurtured in the spirit of volunteerism since their school days and student years, will continue to make worthy contributions to the well-being of our people and the triumph of humanitarian values. May our Hero-Arkadag and Arkadagly Hero-Serdar, who make boundless efforts to ensure a happy life for our people, enable our youth to receive world-class education, and raise them to be loyal to humanitarian principles, enjoy sound health, long lives, and may all their grand initiatives further prosper!