Saudi Gazette report

RIYADH — Dr. Abdullah Al-Rabeeah, supervisor general of King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center (KSrelief), inaugurated the Saudi Amal Volunteer Program to help the people of Syria at KSrelief headquarters in Riyadh on Monday.

Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Al-Rabeeah said that more than 3,000 Saudi male and female volunteers will participate in the program, which will have about 218,500 volunteer work hours. "Under the program, 104 volunteer campaigns will be carried out in realms such as medical and surgical specialties, training and educational programs, as well as in economic empowerment. The program would also cover 45 medical and training specialties," he said, revealing that the first phase of the program will begin on Tuesday, with three volunteer campaigns heading to Syria.

The launching ceremony was also attended by Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Eng. Walid Al-Kheraiji, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Charitable Health Association for Patient Care Dr. Abdulrahman Al-Suwailem, and a number of senior officials of KSrelief. A documentary film, featuring the KSrelief's external volunteer initiatives over the past seven years, was screened on the occasion.

In his speech, Dr. Al-Rabeeah expressed his happiness over launching the program, saying that this comes as an extension of the Kingdom’s efforts to support and assist the Syrian people, which included large air and land bridges. "The efforts we are making today come in implementation of the generous directives and continuous support of Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman and Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman for humanitarian and voluntary work. These programs also come in implementation of the Kingdom's Vision 2030," he said.

Dr. Al-Rabeeah extended his thanks and appreciation to all volunteers, who gave their time, knowledge and noble work in implementing the directives of the wise leadership, and to the employees of the KSrelief. He also thanked the partners of the program, notably the Ministries of Interior, National Guard, Defense, Foreign Affairs, Finance, Human Resources and Social Development, Health, Education, and Media, for their constructive participation and continuous support.

Dr. Al-Rabeeah appreciated the efforts of the KSrelief's partners, including organizations, institutions, universities and non-profit associations for participating in the implementation of this voluntary humanitarian program.