The 700-group Beta Sigma Fraternity (BSF), which has chapters in key cities across the Kingdom, will hold a general assembly in the Saudi capital on Oct. 2, 3 and 4, according to Arman C. Mariano, president of BSF (Central Region).

“Officials and members in Jeddah and Dammam will travel to Riyadh for the occasion, while a celebration will be held and funding for current projects will also be taken up,” he said. Projects include providing scholarships for members or their relatives, helping typhoon victims and offering skills improvement, professional advancement and training courses.

At present, the group has seven scholars taking up four-year degree courses. Each receives P40,000 per semester. Last March, four graduated with different degrees.

“Two graduated with mass communication degrees, while two completed civil engineering and electrical engineering degrees,” said Mariano, who works at King Saud University (KSU).

He added that his group is looking forward to helping other youth from poorer background complete their degrees with the hope that they will also help others pursue their studies if and when they are in a position to do so.

“We’re not rich, but we share whatever we have while we’re working in the Kingdom. It is our way of expressing our thanks for the good things that our members have achieved in life,” he said.

He added that each member contributes so that BSF could undertake humanitarian activities.

“We also help typhoon victims in the Philippines. BSF donated SR12,000 to the victims of super typhoon Yolanda in Leyte and Samar,” he said.

Mariano added that their group also conducts self-improvement classes by holding seminars so to enable members to become more competitive.

“The seminars include safety engineering and computer literacy, among others. We also extend first aid during an emergency, like what TV 5 in the Philippines does,” he said.