Rekaaz to discuss 2013 plans for Saudi youth

The volunteers of the non-government organization, Rekaaz, will meet early this year to discuss plans and projects to be implemented for the benefit of Saudi youth between the ages of 15 and 25, said Badr A. Al-Khanbassi, the group’s consultant.
Speaking with Arab News, Al-Khanbassi said, “Sixty-five male and female volunteers will meet to discuss plans and projects for the benefit of the Saudi youth,” he said. The venues for Rekaaz’s presentations, as well as guests to be invited in this year’s upcoming projects will also be discussed.
Rekaaz has 600 volunteers distributed across key cities in the Kingdom, who work together to instill good values among the youth through songs, dances and inspirational talks delivered by invited guests in performances held in various malls. This year’s theme is “Successful Communication,” headed under the slogan: “The way you talk reflects your personality.”
“This year’s theme intends to encourage our youth to behave well and carry themselves properly. We would like to infuse the Saudi youth with courteous mannerisms, especially toward the elderly,” Al-Khanbassi said.
He also said that during the meeting, a celebration will be held to honor the group’s volunteers for their invaluable contributions. Gifts will be distributed to the volunteers as a token of gratitude for their selflessness and efforts toward such a worthy cause.
Al-Khanbassi expressed his satisfaction regarding the projects conducted by the group last year. He recalled that last September, the group held a presentation at the Panorama Mall along King Abdulaziz Street in Riyadh. Prominent Saudi singer, Ibrahim Al-Naqeeb, from Jeddah was invited and he sang four of his popular songs.
Rekaaz had invited Faisal Abu Thain, a member of the Hilal Club, as a guest speaker. “He talked about friendship among those who attended and was effective because being a soccer player, he showed good sportsmanship, which is inextricably linked with friendship,” he added.
Rekaaz had also invited Dr. Mohammed Al-Arifi who spoke about friendship during a presentation at Al-Othaim Mall. Citing examples, Al-Arifi underlined good and bad aspects encompassed within friendships.
The attendees watched a 90-minute presentation related to the topic.
Al-Khanbassi said that for the last four years, Rekaaz adopted themes that were relevant and important to the youth, spanning issues such as love and respect for mothers, self-esteem, the desire to succeed in life, and social responsibility.
He emphasized that Rekaaz expects that its efforts will contribute to the growth and development of the youth by imbuing in them good values.
“Rekaaz expects nothing in return for its efforts. If the youth will heed the messages we are trying to send across, then the volunteers’ efforts would not have been in vain. I would also like to take this opportunity, on behalf of all our members, to sincerely thank our various sponsors for their support and positive contributions,” he said.
The group was formed six years back by Ahmed Asiri, administrator of the Al-Andalus High School in Jeddah and is active in Riyadh, Jeddah, Taif, Abha and Yanbu.