JEDDAH: The American International School in Jeddah organized its annual family carnival, which included lots of family activities, on Thursday. It was fun all the way for young students and about 5,000 visitors from afternoon till night.
Open areas of the school complex presented a carnival atmosphere with students and young visitors taking part in various games and rides. Music talent shows, Saudi movies, water games, and camel and horse rides were among the activities at the “Family Matters Carnival” that drew a large number of parents and visitors.
“‘Family Matters’ is deliberately chosen as the theme for the event, as we need to make children aware of family values and how they can play an effective role in strengthening the family unity,” Dr. Osama Zahran, vice president of the board of trustees of the AISJ and president of the school’s Parent-Teacher-Student Association (PTSA), told Arab News. The idea is also to promote camaraderie among the student community who now number more than 900 and belong to 52 different nationalities. “We also emphasized in campaigns against drugs and smoking sending loud messages,” he added. Zahran said the event generated about SR400,000, which will be used for upgrading classrooms, improving computer labs and adding more to the existing facilities.
School Superintendent Dr. Mark English said the school raised more than SR350,000 from ticket sales, bazaar, rides and games during last year’s “Family Matters — Fun Day Carnival 2008.” He added: “We have learned a lot from the past carnivals and so we are better organized this time.”
Kerry Simpson of the AISJ said the event was organized in conjunction with the PTSA, pupils and staff. Preparations for the event were in progress for five months and six committees were set up to undertake various tasks.
The school, which is a non-profit institution for all children from KG through high school, has been continually seeking out additional sources of revenue and hosting various activities to raise funds. Islamic and Arabic studies are part of the school curriculum.
Omar Abdullah, a student of the school, said he hoped to proceed to Los Angeles to study astronomy as major after his graduation. Manal Ahmed, another student, said she enjoyed being part of a cleaning committee and would pursue higher studies in New York after her graduation.
Various companies dealing in automobiles, food and food products, accessories and sports supported the event at different levels of sponsorship. Hand-made items and local crafts were sold at the bazaar, which also had abayas and dresses for women, and toys for children.
Food vendors, an Arabian village featuring a Hejazi folklore troupe and camel and pony rides were among the attractions for visitors and children. There were raffle draws with prizes, including airline tickets and electronic items.
A local Saudi band played traditional music at the concluding ceremony.
