Latest news with #SaudiArabianScoutsAssociation
Saudi Gazette
5 days ago
- General
- Saudi Gazette
Three pairs of twins at Mina Hajj Scouting Camp share gratifying experience of serving pilgrims
Saudi Gazette report MINA — In a rare and coincidental alignment, this year's public service camps, organized by the Saudi Arabian Scouts Association for Hajj 2025, have brought together three pairs of Saudi twins. Hailing from the scout group of the civil development association in Riyadh's Al-Rabie neighborhood, these six young men are collectively dedicated to serving pilgrims. The twins—Hussam and Issam Saeed Al-Qarni, Azzam and Ammar Suleiman Al-Sulaiman, and Walid and Muhannad Abdul-Hakim Al-Otaibi—are bound not only by family ties and similar appearances, but also by a genuine passion for scouting and active engagement in the noble cause of volunteer work and pilgrim service. Al-Qarni twins stated that scouting was not just a passing activity, but a life path chosen with conviction from a young age. They emphasized they were raised to love their country, and scouting has allowed them to translate this into tangible service by guiding pilgrims, providing first aid, and offering various forms of assistance. They stressed that every moment during the pilgrimages is a new lesson in patience, compassion, and discipline. Al-Sulaiman twins noted this experience has deepened their relationship, adding with pride: "We thought we knew each other well, but in the atmosphere of the pilgrimages and under the pressure of tasks, we discovered new dimensions of cooperation and interdependence. We work as a team, complementing each other, and everything we do is for the comfort of the pilgrim, whom we consider our guests, and it is our duty to provide them with the utmost comfort." Al-Otaibi twins expressed their profound pride in their participation, describing it as a life-changing experience. "Today, we are not only serving, but also learning how to stand calmly in the midst of a crowd, how to take the initiative without expecting thanks, and how scouting can be a comprehensive educational field," they said. "Being here together, two brothers and twins, experiencing the same thing and sharing every detail is something we will carry with us for the rest of our lives."
Saudi Gazette
7 days ago
- General
- Saudi Gazette
Saudi girl scouts gear up to serve pilgrims with their camp opening in Mina
Saudi Gazette report MINA — Girl scouts are geared up to extend the best possible services for the guests of God at the holy sites. As part of this, a Girl Scouts camp was opened in Mina. Dr. Abdulrahman Al-Mudaris, vice president of the Saudi Arabian Scouts Association and general supervisor of public service camps, and Princess Sama bint Faisal, president of the Saudi Girl Scouts Committee, attended the ceremony. Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Al-Mudaris affirmed that the association is playing a transformative role in empowering girls. He said that the progress made in the girls' division marks a strategic shift fully aligned with the objectives of Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030. Dr. Al-Mudaris said that the association has begun early preparations to serve pilgrims during the upcoming Hajj season. He noted that this year's efforts are guided by an institutional plan emphasizing quality and innovation. For her part, Princess Sama affirmed that the Girl Scouts have demonstrated a high level of competence and the ability to represent the Kingdom across various scouting fields. She praised the significant development seen in the girls' camps, particularly in terms of equipment, planning, and execution.
Arab News
13-04-2025
- Business
- Arab News
Saudi Arabia launches bold initiatives to empower youth, drive innovation
RIYADH: The opening day of the Human Capability Initiative 2025 in Riyadh marked a significant milestone in the Kingdom's journey toward empowering youth and fostering innovation with the signing of several agreements and the launch of impactful programs. In a move underscoring global collaboration, the Kingdom signed an agreement with the Saudi Arabian Scouts Association, the World Organization of the Scout Movement, and the World Scout Foundation. Under this partnership, Saudi Arabia will invest $50 million over the next decade to support the Messengers of Peace initiative—a global youth-led program focused on peace-building and sustainable development projects. On the national front, the Kingdom reaffirmed its commitment to transforming education through the National Curriculum Center. This research-driven institution, working with key government entities such as the Ministries of Sports, Education, Economy and Planning, and Culture, aims to empower teachers and better prepare students for global competitiveness. King Saud University and CEER, the Kingdom's national automotive company, also signed a memorandum of understanding to promote collaboration in scientific research, training, and knowledge sharing. Their partnership will emphasize innovation, technical consulting, and talent development—critical elements in building a knowledge-based economy. In an effort to professionalize the sports sector, the Ministry of Sports, in partnership with the Leaders Development Institute, introduced the Professional License and Program Accreditation Regulation. This initiative sets a new benchmark for qualifications, training, and the development of athletic professionals in line with Vision 2030. Further advancing digital capabilities, the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology, in collaboration with Noon, launched the second edition of the Digital Future Readiness Program. This initiative will equip 7,000 Saudi students with generative AI skills, combining hands-on training with cutting-edge digital tools to cultivate future-ready leaders. The Ministry of Tourism also backed a strategic agreement between Umm Al-Qura University and Ecole Hoteliere de Lausanne to strengthen collaboration in tourism education and training. KSU launched a new open online training platform, offering certified programs recognized by both the university and the National e-Learning Center. This platform expands professional development opportunities while enabling developers to contribute and gain academic accreditation for their content. Additionally, KSU signed agreements with IBM Middle East and the Saudi Authority for Data and Artificial Intelligence to accelerate AI innovation through specialized training and certifications. The Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development also awarded KSU the prestigious Gold Certificate for Accreditation, recognizing its compliance with Universal Accessibility Standards. This milestone underscores KSU's ongoing commitment to creating an inclusive environment for both students and staff, aligning with Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 goals for equitable and accessible education. In related developments, the King Salman Global Academy for Arabic Language launched several initiatives aimed at strengthening Arabic language education and research on a global scale. One key initiative, the 'Language Policies Around the World' project, will compile and analyze language policies in non-Arab countries, comparing them with Saudi Arabia's own approach. The findings will be presented in a comprehensive report, followed by an international symposium to discuss the future directions of language policy. KSGAAL is also expanding the scope of its Arabic Language Months initiative. In its second phase, the program will continue offering high-quality Arabic teaching programs, focusing on educator training, improving learning methodologies, and enhancing Arabic's presence worldwide. Alongside this, KSGAAL is introducing the 'Kalamuna' video series, which features over 50 Arabic language experts who will produce 1,000 short video clips—each under two minutes—aimed at simplifying complex linguistic concepts and elevating the cultural status of Arabic. These videos will be shared across a variety of digital platforms. Additionally, KSGAAL has launched the 'Children of Arabic' book series, a collection of 30 interactive books designed for young learners. The series includes literary stories, language games, and coloring/activity books, with the goal of engaging children with both the Arabic language and Saudi culture in an educational and fun way. Meanwhile, the Heritage Commission has introduced the Heritage Pioneers Program, an annual training initiative aimed at 500 participants in fields such as archaeology, site management, and craft preservation. The program offers participants hands-on experience, mentorship from experts, and collaboration with universities and cultural organizations to develop critical skills in heritage conservation. Targeting both recent graduates and experienced practitioners, the program plays an important role in supporting Saudi Arabia's cultural leadership and its broader sustainable development goals. Held under the patronage of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, the Human Capability Initiative 2025 runs from April 13-14 at the King Abdulaziz International Conference Center in Riyadh. Themed 'Beyond Readiness,' the summit brings together more than 12,000 attendees and 300+ speakers from over 100 countries. Discussions focus on preparing the global workforce for future challenges, with key themes including AI-driven transformations, upskiling strategies, and inclusive development. The event also features the Education Global Exhibition, spotlighting innovations in learning and workforce evolution.
Arab News
13-04-2025
- Politics
- Arab News
Human capability key to navigating global shifts, says Saudi education minister
RIYADH: Saudi Arabia's education minister called for a fundamental rethink of how nations develop human capital, warning that demographic shifts, technology, and global volatility demand long-term investment in skills and values. Yousef Al-Benyan, who also chairs the executive committee of the Human Capability Development Program, opened the Human Capabilities Initiative in Riyadh by stressing the central role of human development in national resilience and growth. 'Our world is evolving faster than ever, driven by technological leaps, environmental sustainability, challenges, and also demographic shifts and global uncertainties,' Al-Benyan said. 'Yet, amidst these complexities, one important constant remains: human capability, the boundless potential of our people,' he added. He underscored the need for lifelong learning and a transformative approach to education that prioritizes future-ready skills, curriculum reform, and teacher development. 'We need to define the future roles of teachers — whether they remain a delivery model or transition into facilitators,' he said. Al-Benyan also underscored that building human capability is essential to fostering skills, knowledge, and values. This, he suggested, empowers individuals to lead productive lives and equips future generations to meet challenges ahead. Global scouts initiative Following Al-Benyan's remarks, Saudi Arabia took a major step toward youth empowerment and global collaboration by signing an agreement with the Saudi Arabian Scouts Association, the World Organization of the Scout Movement, and the World Scout Foundation. Under the agreement, the Kingdom will allocate $50 million over 10 years to support the Messengers of Peace initiative, a global program that enables youth to lead community-based peacebuilding and sustainable development projects worldwide. At the national level, Saudi Arabia has committed to further strengthening its education system through the National Curriculum Center, a research-driven institution dedicated to the highest quality standards in shaping the future of learning. The center collaborates with key government partners, including the Ministries of Sports, Education, Economy and Planning, and Culture, to equip teachers with the tools needed to inspire students and prepare them for global competition. Policymakers discuss education On the opening day of the Human Capabilities Initiative, education ministers and policymakers discussed how technology and curriculum reform can shape the future of education. During a panel discussion titled 'Activating and Expanding Human Potential from Preparation to #BeyondReadiness,' Al-Benyan stressed the critical role of human development in achieving national ambitions. 'We want to have an ambitious nation and a thriving economy. If you want to achieve this destination, the only way is to focus on human development,' he said. Al-Benyan emphasized the importance of current and future generations and called for an evolving education system. 'Our vision is not only to meet market needs but also to make sure that our education system, and more importantly, the higher education system, creates a new industry that can create new jobs,' he added. The minister also stressed the need for curriculum reforms, stating: 'We need to start also from changing the curriculum and make sure it has the proper focus on developing the skills requirement.' He also underscored the need for regular performance assessments in education, diversity, leadership, and the evolving role of teachers. 'We need to define the future roles of teachers — whether they remain as a delivery model or transition into facilitators,' he said. UAE's AI strategy Sarah Bint Yousef Al-Amiri, UAE's minister of education, shared insights on integrating artificial intelligence into education. 'We have invested quite extensively well over a decade in EdTech (education technology). Our EdTech has integrated AI capabilities to provide a personalized learning experience within the classroom,' she said. Al-Amiri urged policymakers to rethink education strategies around AI. 'Our paradigm shift is not to think of AI as another EdTech tool but to evolve our education policy development centered around the human,' she explained. She also advocated for lifelong learning, stating: 'We need to look at the education process as continuous, and not disruptive or disconnected.' Maldives' tech solutions Maldives' Minister of State for Higher Education Ahmed Shafeeu detailed the challenges of delivering education across dispersed islands. 'We have about 200 islands where people live, while we have over 1,200 islands altogether. This creates many challenges,' he said. The Maldives' early adoption of technology was crucial during the pandemic. 'In 2017, we made sure that we provided one tablet to every student in the Maldives, and it came as a blessing when COVID hit us,' Shafeeu noted. He also highlighted remote teaching solutions to address teacher shortages, with technology helping bridge gaps in subjects like physics and biology. The minister emphasized sustainability in education, saying: 'What we do within the curriculum is help students understand sustainable lifestyles.' The discussions at the Human Capabilities Initiative underscore the need for adaptive, technology-driven, and lifelong learning approaches to education. These strategies ensure that nations can navigate future challenges while unlocking the full potential of their people.
CairoScene
17-03-2025
- General
- CairoScene
Saudi Scouts Complete 11,800 Volunteer Hours in Makkah During Ramadan
A total of 295 scouts were deployed to assist worshippers in and around the Grand Mosque. Members of the Saudi Arabian Scouts Association have contributed 11,800 volunteer hours in Makkah during the first ten days of Ramadan, assisting Umrah pilgrims as part of an initiative to promote volunteerism and national service. A total of 295 scouts were deployed in collaboration with the Ministry of Education's Makkah Department to help worshippers in and around the Grand Mosque. Their responsibilities include guiding pilgrims, offering logistical support, and ensuring smooth crowd movement within the holy site. The initiative, which runs throughout Ramadan, is conducted in partnership with key entities such as the General Authority for the Care of the Affairs of the Grand Mosque and the Prophet's Mosque, the Makkah Health Cluster, and the General Directorate of Public Security. These collaborations aim to enhance assistance efforts and ensure the safety and comfort of visitors performing Umrah and prayers during the holy month.
