JEDDAH: Orphans and children with special needs are participating in an entertainment and educational program organized by Saudi Aramco as part of the Jeddah Summer Festival.
The one-month program, entitled “Children’s Joy,” is expected to cater to more than 1,500 orphans and children with special needs from 24 charitable organizations and rehabilitation centers in Jeddah, Makkah and Taif.
Nabil Ba’Ishin, head of Saudi Aramco affairs in the Western region, said this year’s program is in its 8th round and would include more events and surprises for the youngsters.
The program includes a number of shows, entertainment events and contests, in addition to workshops that aim at developing children’s capabilities. A number of educational activities in computers, language, cooking, swimming and other skills are also included.
The director general for the regional office of the Ministry of Social Affairs in Makkah province, Ali Al-Hanaki, said the ministry looks to the corporate sector for organizing such programs.
The program will be held at Chuck E. Cheese’s on the Jeddah Corniche. Volunteers from King Abdul Aziz University, Dar Al-Hekma College and a number of high schools from around the city will participate.
The program will be held two days a week — on Mondays and Wednesdays. At the end of each event, participating children will receive gifts and toys.
Ghassan Gamal, a 23-year-old Saudi volunteer, said that he started his volunteering with Aramco’s social project last year.
“My initiative in this field of social work made me so happy and I don’t want it to end,” he said.
Since his first participation, Gamal has established a private group, named “Orphans’ Friends,” that holds yearlong social activities. “I feel so connected with the orphans that I can’t see myself not giving them support whenever I can,” he said.
