JEDDAH, 31 May 2006 — Riyadh Governor Prince Salman yesterday launched an SR50 million endowment program to support poor mothers. The project, initiated by Al-Nahda Charitable Women’s Society, aims at supporting nearly 2,000 needy women in the city, according to Princess Sarah Al Faisal, the society’s chairperson.
Crown Prince Sultan donated SR10 million to the project while Prince Salman announced a donation of SR3 million — SR1 million on behalf of his mother Princess Hussa bint Ahmad Al-Sudairy, SR1 million on his behalf and SR1 million on behalf of his sons, the Saudi Press Agency said.
Addressing the ceremony, Prince Salman commended Al-Nahda’s achievements during the 45 years of its existence. He said the organization had been instrumental in promoting social development. He also praised Saudi businessmen and philanthropists for their support of charitable activities in the country.
He highlighted the role played by endowments in supporting development activities in Islamic countries as the revenues earned from such properties were used for building roads, educational institutions, health centers, libraries, homes for the poor and orphanages.
“We hope that your support for this project will create a permanent source of income for the society’s charitable projects,” Salman said. “I request you all to support this endowment program and promote a culture of charitable spending in our society which is known for its generosity,” he said.
Salman commended the efforts of Princess Sarah and her colleagues at Al-Nahda in implementing charitable projects for the benefit of the poor and needy. Total contributions received during the ceremony amounted to nearly SR40 million.
Prince Turki ibn Abdullah, supervisor of the endowment program, emphasized the need for reviving the Islamic system of endowments to support charitable activities. He commended Al-Nahda’s office holders for taking the initiative in implementing an endowment program for poor mothers.
Princess Sarah earlier spoke about her organization’s efforts to provide assistance and care to needy families, widows and orphans as well as conducting training programs for women to help them stand on their feet, without depending on others.
“Our endowment program is aimed at supporting needy mothers and providing them with security and stability in order to help them shoulder their social responsibility and take care of their families,” the princess said.
She said the project would support 1,279 poor women and their families, create jobs for 500 women and take care of 50 women with special needs.
