JEDDAH: Young girls and boys seeking to do volunteer work can now form their own group, develop their plan and register their “youth team” with the World Assembly of Muslim Youth to receive support and guidance.
“WAMY cares for the youth. Our goal is to encourage girls, boys and youths between the ages of 12 and 35 to do volunteer work,” said Mustafa Kherd, the youth teams’ supervisor. “We welcome ideas from young people and if they meet the assembly’s objectives, we support them.”
The program was launched officially under the umbrella of WAMY on May 18. Within four months, young Saudis established teams to volunteer during Ramadan and Haj. A group has already distributed 70 packages of basic food supplies to people in need. Another group offers iftar to people on the streets who do not make it to their homes on time.
“This team distributes 200 meals a day to drivers. We also organize trips taking the youths for Umrah and for group iftars,” added Kherd.
During the eighth Rikaz campaign that took place recently, youth teams helped in the organization of the event. Many lectures were arranged to highlight Muslim identity, culture and values, which was the campaign’s theme. Alaidi Almotaheda, or “United Hands,” is a team of medical students that offer free medical services to individuals and society members.
In collaboration with Faisal Park — the first public park established in south Jeddah through the joint efforts of Friends of Jeddah Parks and other volunteers — Kherd said the youth teams organized a conference where more than 1,500 people participated.
“Young girls and boys have a lot of spare time. They also have a desire to make use of their energy in projects that serve their country,” said Kherd. As for the young girls, Hala Nasir, the women’s section director of the program, said that WAMY provides support to encourage the positive engagement and integration of the youth in their social environment.
“Our priority is the youth,” said Nasir. “We help them put their ideas into action. Young girls are energetic and creative, but they need to be guided and directed.”
The women youth teams organized a group iftar in Jeddah’s Andalusia district where 130 members attended. It was a friendly acquaintance meeting that included different activities and dialogues.
“We’ve achieved good objectives through youth teams,” said Nasir.
