JOUF, 24 March 2007 — The Ministry of Social Affairs is sponsoring low-income families that are skilled in handweaving to help them better their financial status by nurturing their skills.

The project provides people with logistical and financial support in developing and marketing their products. “The main goal of the project is to help low-income families that are dependent on government welfare to become productive and self-reliant by making use of their skills,” said Salem Al-Ruwali, general manager of the Ministry of Social Affairs in Jouf.

He added that the items that are being produced include bed sheets, sofa covers, curtains, pillows, wallets, hand bags and small gifts such as cell phone covers and prayer mats through “the art of spinning and weaving.”

Al-Ruwali said prices of the products range from SR60 to SR7,000.

According to the Ministry of Social Affairs, low-income families wishing to join the project have to meet certain criteria. They must be willing to work hard, invest their time and effort and wanting to improve their financial status.

Families that are enrolled are also expected to already have a foundation in weaving. Such families are expected to have learned the trade from one generation to another.

“Some of the items produced by these families are of good quality and high precision and are classified as classical works of art,” added Al-Ruwali. He added that before marketing the items, the products must be of value in their respected target areas and that the price range needs to be competitive.

“Our role also lies in understanding consumers’ demands through research studies and statistical surveys,” Al-Ruwali said. He added that the project needs several government bodies to assure its success along with the role played by the Ministry of Social Affairs which will provide financial and logistical support.

Agreements need to be signed with various government sectors to assure a strong presence in the market, Al-Ruwali said.

He added that the Commerce Ministry’s role lies in opening doors to display the products during trade conventions and exhibitions held across the Kingdom.

“Saudi Arabian airline can purchase items that reflect our Saudi heritage and sell them in airports and on planes. The Supreme Commission for Tourism has experience in promoting heritage products and has access to hotels and tourist resorts where the products can be displayed,” he added.