The Jeddah Chamber of Commerce and Industry (JCCI) plans to open a special academy to train women in sewing, make up, photography and hospitality. Mazen Batterjee, deputy chairman of the JCCI, said the academy would initially train and provide jobs for 200 women.

Batterjee was speaking at the Third National Productive Family Forum and Exhibition, which Makkah Gov. Prince Mishaal bin Abdullah opened on Sunday.

Several ministers, more than 500 businesspeople, and representatives of family handicrafts organizations attended the gathering. Prince Mishaal, who toured the exhibition, said the families’ output would help boost the country’s economy.

Batterjee said the event was an example of the effectiveness of corporate social responsibility, and one of the JCCI’s most important initiatives. “The event provides an opportunity for women, men and the youth to work from home. It enables citizens to earn a decent living, and to work at times they choose.”

He said the program provides income for about 300 women who are the sole breadwinners in their families. Batterjee appealed to the Makkah governor for families to sell their goods at 200 areas in the city. He said the JCCI has received 600 applications for temporary stalls in the car parks of big malls where they can sell their products.

Ahmed Al-Hamdan, chairman and chief executive officer of Al-Hamdan Group Consultancy and Development, said social responsibility programs are important to help people make a decent living from their creative output.