Education is the way to change societies. Not only us but even the new generations, according to Reem Bakheet, the founder of the Future Expert Group (FEG).

The start, six years ago, was small but the aim and aspirations were big. The center was established with the basic theme of teaching English and computer skills to develop the skills of both women and children, and make them ready to face the challenges of the new demanding era.

But with every step, the center expanded into uncharted territory to help women contribute extensively to society.

The main goal, said Bakheet, was to develop programs, courses and lectures that would help women and children in their social and academic life. The center then started expanding and initiating new programs for different targets.

Bakheet said that FEG developed programs to provide community services, while also acting as consultants to help startups in mitigating costs. The profit that FEG generates is then spent on developing new programs and initiating new strategies that targets children, mothers, young women, and workingwomen.

FEG, Bakheet said, focuses on helping children and women develop different sets of skills and that is what their programs are tailored for. “Rote learning is not taught at FEG,” said Bakheet. “If it is just information or knowledge they can get it on the Internet or schools. But it is necessary for the present and future generation to have a set of skills that would help them in their chosen careers. That’s the aim of the group, to be distinguished and to be pioneers in introducing new developing options for the Saudi society.”

During the first three years, the FEG team worked on making their presence felt in Jeddah. “We are recognized in Jeddah now and even in Makkah and Madinah,” she said. “We also give out our programs to other centers in different cities including Madinah, Abha and Hail.”

Bakheet said that the group cooperates with different governmental bodies, including the Ministry of Education, the Ministry of Social Affairs, and vocational institutions to discuss society needs and how best to work in tandem to meet those needs.

Bakheet highlighted their Supporting Women’s Economic Role in Saudi Society Program in cooperation with the British Global Opportunities Fund, which was designed for a one-year period 2007-2008 as the type of work FEG does.

The program targeted women and aimed at increasing their presence in the Saudi economy through education. It helped over 1,000 women at different cities, with Bakheet adding that different centers assisted them in their efforts. “We prepared the programs and gave them to these establishments. They then implemented the programs or in certain cases we sent in specialists who would apply the program,” she said.

Women were taught how to strategize, make decisions, manage their time, negotiate, search for new investment avenues and promote their businesses. The enthusiasm of the participants emphasized the success of the program.

Following this, the center began another program targeting people interested in learning to make a difference. The program, which ends in April 2009 “will make a difference,” said Bakheet, adding that specialists participating in this program are from different nationalities. “We have found Saudis who are highly qualified in this field, but it is good to exchange experiences with others from different backgrounds.”

The Lets Think Club at the FEG focuses on young women and prepares them to handle responsibilities and be ready to face the new and advanced world. This includes providing language courses and skill -developing.

With the wheels of learning constantly turning, Bakheet said, a new educational consultation program has recently been initiated to further serve society. “It helps women to develop skills both on the personal and professional level,” she said.

The FEG also includes a kindergarten that aims at discovering the abilities of children. A nursery is also open from 8 in the morning to 9 in the evening to help working mothers.

Different summer courses, including art, computing, English and French and exploration experiences are available at FEG for families who want their children to invest their time in useful skills and activities. The exploration events include having trips and events at different locations including at sea and the desert.