Students who are part of the Dar Al-Hekma’s College Preparation Program (CPP) sold food, clothes and accessories at the bazaar. “The idea of hosting the charity event came during a brainstorming session in class. We presented the concept of social responsibility and began talking about responsibility to our country and society. Students donated money and had the idea of doing a bake sale in a small bazaar,” said Marriam Malki, a teacher at the college.

She added students participated in the bazaar on a voluntary basis. “It was something that they did for their community,” she said.

In total, four Saudi charities participated in the event and helped raise awareness about social responsibility among students. These included Al-Birr Charitable Organization, Zmzm Charity for Medical Voluntary Services, Deyafa Elderly Shelter and Bab Rizq Jameel for Social Services.

“Our goal is to benefit those in need. We want to spread the message that every individual should participate in such activities,” said Ishraq Al-Jehani, a CPP student at the college.

Lina Kurdi, director of social services at the college, said students at the college are required to give 100 hours to local charities in order to graduate. She added that the college hosts an event each year for charity organizations.

“This year, the theme of the event was social responsibility and nursing students suggested to help Zmzm Charity. Since they need volunteers and financial help, we decided to dedicate a whole bazaar to give them a hand,” she said.

“We learned a lot about charity work and community service in this event. The preparation, the research and the actual voluntary work have put a clear picture in our head of how to contribute to help people who are in desperate need. And we are more than happy to lend a helping hand once in a while,” said Elaf Shata, a CCP student at the college.

“The event was a great success and we are thankful to Dar Al-Hekma and their students for their interest in helping our organization and we wish that other people will do the same since this is a voluntary project and we don’t have enough support,” said a member of the Zmzm team.