JEDDAH: Young Saudis recounted their “rewarding” experiences from a four-week summer program they attended in Jeddah and Makkah at their graduation ceremony held at the Industrial Training Institute here on Monday night.
“My joining the training program immensely benefited me, as I received some basic training in electrical and first aid procedures,” a 13-year-old student Abdul Majeed told Arab News. “I am proud that I will be able to handle such basic household work myself,” he said.
“It was good that I did not join some members of my family on a vacation trip and instead chose to be part of the summer training program that has made me a “house hero.” I have learned practical skills that will be of help to my family and in the process has made me a socially responsible citizen,” said 14-year-old Sultan Aziz, another school student.
Both were among the 550 boys and girls of 12-18 years of age who took part in the 8th summer “house hero” program organized by Albaik in cooperation with the institute, the Civil Defense, the Al-Faisaliah Women’s Welfare Society and the Red Crescent Society. The program offered training courses to 250 boys and 150 girls in Jeddah, and 150 boys in Makkah. Introduction to workshop basics, car maintenance, electrical basics and safety, first aid procedures, fire safety and prevention, house maintenance and painting were among the courses offered.
Parents of the trainees filled the institute auditorium well in advance of the ceremony to participate in the graduation ceremony. Also present were teachers, program supervisors, trainers and supporters. Rami Abu Ghazaleh, CEO of Albaik Food Systems, Misfer Abdullah Al-Badran, head of the VII, General Dakheel Al-Sulaimi from the Civil Defense and Mohamed Thabet Al-Sadda of the Saudi Red Crescent Society were among others present. A ceremony was held for girls in Makkah on Sunday.
The trainees were applauded as they paraded at the start of the ceremony. Abdullah Ghulman, a trainee, presented an overview of the summer program and spoke about its achievements. A film on the training program was screened, which was followed by a skit presented by the trainees on what they learned during the summer session and how they could implement it in their day-to-day life.
The summer program, which is conducted annually, has so far covered 3,000 students, and is aimed at providing young Saudis with useful practical skills that complemented their academic education. “It is also aimed at developing confidence and self-esteem that will benefit them both at home and in their future careers,” Ghazaleh said.
