The forum was inaugurated by Abdul Aziz bin Fahad
Al-Khayyal, senior vice president of industrial relations at ARAMCO, who
pointed out the important role of the private sector in developing social
responsibility programs and initiatives to benefit different segments of
society.
As an example, Al-Yafi gave an overview of the Savola
Group’s MAKEEN Center for Empowering Persons with Disabilities.
It is one of the Savola Group’s flagship social
responsibility programs that aims to train and employ people with disabilities
by providing specially developed courses that enable them to utilize their
talents and develop their self-esteem.
The center then helps the trainees to find appropriate jobs
that match their skills and place them with companies and institutes which
share The Savola Group’s interest in making it possible for people with
disabilities to become productive, self-reliant and proud members of society.
MAKEEN came about after extensive research and field studies
conducted by The Savola Group in consultation with a group of European experts,
including research into the Kingdom’s job market and the potential for finding
suitable employment for jobs for people with disabilities.
Through a visual presentation illustrating the center and
its activities, Al-Yafi explained that its success is based on three key
elements: the constant search for channels to attract candidates for the
program; the fully equipped training centers, staffed by qualified trainers;
and the partnership agreements with companies that are willing and able to
accommodate this special category of employees.
The project included several developmental elements,
including the adoption of the accessibility program in all sectors of the
Savola Group.
“Saudi ARAMCO is one of the most prominent of our national
companies and a leader in the field of community service, with a long history
in the development of sustainable programs targeted to serve the Kingdom and
its citizens,” said Al-Yafi.
“Organizing forums such as this enhances the important role
of social responsibility programs and provides a wonderful opportunity to
exchange experiences and success stories. We at the Savola Group look forward
for further communication and coordination with Saudi ARAMCO and other leading
national companies.”
The Savola Group’s various CSR programs are part of its
Savola Bridges initiative, which is upheld by a set of guiding principles
founded on Savola’s commitment to the Kingdom and Saudi society.
