Farman Hyder finds 'endless ways' to help others as a social worker.
Abu Dhabi Awards nominee says options aplenty for anybody to become a 'good Samaritan' in the society.
Published: Sun 4 Oct 2015, 12:00 AM
Last updated: Sun 4 Oct 2015, 5:35 PM
Every individual has to perform his duty. Man is mortal, but his work is not. Therefore, work is greater than wealth." A timeless quote once said by the Founding Father of the UAE, the Late President, Shaikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, emphasising on how crucial it is for every individual to realise that he or she, has the power of making a great difference in our society.
The dream of making a world a better place certainly lies in many hearts. However, only a few venture out to serve others risking own pleasures in life even after facing hardships throughout their life.
Farman Hyder, originally from Pakistan, who has made the UAE his home for almost three decades, definitely belongs to that rare category of people who took good lessons from real life experience.
Hyder, who is a mechanical engineer by profession, told Khaleej Times that nothing makes him more proud than helping others and contributing to the nation.
He pointed out that what motivated him was the fact that he felt the need of a helping hand when he faced difficult times, upon his arrival, nearly thirty years ago.
"At that time, nobody knew me or helped me and I felt I was all alone." "I realised that there should be someone out there seeking help from others, and I promised God that one day I would be that someone," he added. He thus took on the role as a social worker, lending a helping hand to as many folks as possible. "It is all about the satisfaction of helping people, no matter what their religion or nationality," he said.
Milestones> Best Social Worker award from Government of Pakistan
> Nominated for Abu Dhabi Awards
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Hyder, who was awarded by the Government of Pakistan as the Best Social Worker and also nominated once for Abu Dhabi Awards, noted that there are endless ways for a person to make a contribution to the community. Whether it's big or small, any help makes a great difference to those in need. By simply helping someone find an opportunity for a career is sufficient enough, he believes.
"There are people who come to this country with visit visas looking for jobs to support their families back home, I help them find jobs as my first priority."
He pointed out that social work in the UAE is dynamically growing. He suggested that those who would like to get out there and provide a helping hand have endless options of doing so.
There are varieties of charities available, such as The Red Crescent. "The UAE's future looks very bright in terms of social work, as the youth nowadays are more engaged in helping the environment and the people."
Memorable moments
Hyder shared certain situations that he will never forget. Aiding to those who lost their home to a fire, or being called to run to the hospital and donate his rare blood type, as it could save a life, are memories that motivate him to continue following his passion.
He pointed out that his social work does at certain times become a little tricky, especially when those who are in need, have landed themselves in trouble with the law. "I visit them in jail and ask for their cases so that I can try to solve them and have them released," he added.
However, there are certain times where a great deal of emotion and heartache play out for a social worker. "Sometimes I would help those who need to send dead bodies back to their countries, which is one of the difficult issues here. I help the arrangement, so that their family can mourn and arrange funerals properly."
Hyder highlighted that it is those who are at risk of losing their lives are the ones that need the most attention. "There have been times when people with brain tumors, blood cancer, kidney failure, or in need of bone marrow transplants, have come to me for help."
"Recently, a Pakistani child's spinal cord was bent. Medcare Hospital in Dubai treated her, but the treatment was Dh80,000. I managed to arrange the amount and now the child and her parents are happy." If children are unable to have treatment in UAE, Hyder then looks for other options.
"An Indian boy had brain tumor, his father, who worked as a taxi driver, was unable to afford the treatment, so I sent the family abroad in order for the boy to be treated."
He noted that although his daytime job is important, it is his role as a social worker that feels like a true and underestimated fulfillment. "Yes, my job is my first priority, but doing social work always helps me find peace in a way that my day job simply doesn't."
Although not all cases have a happy ending, the idea of simply trying to help the needy is a rewarding accomplishment, which should never go unnoticed.
jasmine@khaleejtimes.com
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