Amal Al-Sibai

Saudi Gazette

 

JEDDAH — Under the vigilant support and sponsorship of Prince Khaled Al-Faisal, Emir of Makkah region, the activities of the third annual “Our Youth” program commenced Saturday.



“Our Youth” program is one of the earliest outcomes of the ideas and work put forth from the Makkah Youth Development Council.



During the coming month, the program will include activities in six regions of the Makkah Province, including Jeddah and Taif, targeting young men and women between the ages of 16 and 25.



Social reform leaders applaud Prince Khaled Al-Faisal’s involvement in this program because demographics show that Saudi Arabia is one of the most youthful countries in the world.



To be precise, approximately 37 percent of the Saudi population is under the age of 14. Those under the age of 25 comprise 51 percent of the population, and when those under 29 years are taken into consideration, the youth amount to two-thirds of the Kingdom’s population.



Investing in the youth is an absolute necessity because they are the leaders of the future.



“Our Youth” program offers a rich and wide variety of workshops, seminars, and educational competitions.



The program will provide some opportunities in local tourism, educational and recreational trips.



Such programs are aimed at helping young men and women discover their talents, put forth their time and energy to good use, raise awareness in a range of health and social issues, and to get them to become more actively involved in the betterment of their communities and country.



Several educational lectures are planned in a wide range of fields, including health, social development, communication, self-enrichment, and more.



Prince Khaled Al-Faisal has a vision for the area in and around the holy city: the development and improvement of the region embodied in the physical place, services, education, and the people themselves.



The President of the Makkah Youth Development Council, Rayan Samman, extended thanks and appreciation toward the prince for his continued support of the council and for having faith in the ideas presented by the youth for the youth.



The council is made up entirely of young men and women who want to play a more prominent role in the decision making process and the implementation of projects that are relevant to the younger generation in the Makkah region.



“The goals of the summer program are to offer young Saudis the technical training and other skills they need to succeed in their education, social, and occupational lives.



“Young thinkers and entrepreneurs will be given the opportunity to showcase their social initiatives, ideas, and scientific projects that they believe will be of use to our society and country,” said Lama Al-Ghalib, the young executive director of “Our Youth” summer program.



Al-Ghalib’s definition of a successful young man or woman is a hardworking, skillful, and resourceful person who is willing to do good for others without waiting for anything in return.



He or she is someone who is taking responsibility for the care and well-being of his own body, mind, family, religion, society, and country.