JEDDAH: The Society for Districts Centers in Jeddah is looking to improve individual communities through new projects and programs.
“We’re trying to build a collaborative community to bring the wealthy and the poor of Jeddah together,” Hassan Al-Zahrani, the society’s secretary-general, told Arab News on Sunday. “The purpose of these community centers is to relieve stress that comes from harsh lifestyles and social climates.”
There are social activities at community libraries where reading competitions as well as monthly book club meetings are keeping women and children entertained. This will help build relationships among neighbors and foster a sense of togetherness in the community.
New programs also include bus transportation to Makkah provided by some of the communities. This helps reduce traffic on the highways as well as promote camaraderie among neighbors as they can discuss common problems while traveling together.
There are also activities that benefit people with special needs. A program called Sum Wal-Bukum has been organized for the hearing-impaired in Jeddah and Makkah, and has already benefited more than 1,000 people through activities such as safe driving programs and safety seminars.
The secretary-general stressed the importance of work and sports for Saudi youth. He said current programs help young Saudis find employment. Through these programs 2,000 young men, 700 of whom are handicapped, have already found jobs, he added.
In Jeddah and Makkah, there are programs by which each community center has a local football team and its own playgrounds.
Among citizens, there has been no vocal resistance to the new development but there are constraints such as a lack of funds and volunteer work force.
“Volunteerism is difficult to find,” said Al-Zahrani, explaining how there is great initial support for these community improvements, but there is much less follow-up when action is necessary. There are also budget constraints because of the limited number of sponsors willing to donate money to get new community centers and programs off the ground.
“Oftentimes sponsors will be willing to commit money two or three times but not usually more,” Al-Zahrani said.
Right now there are 10-12 different communities with 23 centers, with five of them for women only and the rest having separate sections for women. There are 16 properties, which include parks, community centers and 20 playgrounds with more to come. They also include small buildings providing entertainment primarily for youngsters but benefiting all age groups.
Al-Zahrani stressed that all members of Saudi society, no matter where they come from, are welcome to be a part of these new communities. “There is no differentiation between nationals and expatriates,” he said. “The door is open for all members of society to contribute and benefit from the programs.”
