JEDDAH: Ramadan, the fasting month, is usually the time for volunteer and welfare activities. The Ministry of Interior, through Civil Defense, will host an international conference on volunteer work in October.
An example of the kind of volunteer work includes 200 students working to provide health services to the pilgrims and visitors of the Holy Mosque during Ramadan.
This is in addition to more than 100 doctors and nurses who are available in the Grand Mosque round the clock to provide ambulance services to the needy. Saudi Boy Scouts also help pilgrims during the peak pilgrimage season and the Haj.
The spirit of voluntary action for the welfare of the society has been inculcated in the Saudi youth since their early times. The Nibras Al-Hayat is a volunteer organization for young Saudis established about four year ago.
It has more than 200 young men and women who volunteer their time in various activities. Al-Bara Rihan, a member of the group, said 22 of the volunteers recently cleaned a mosque. He said the organization is also carrying out a number of programs and campaigns including a program for blood donation.
