Providing financial support and training to needy families in Jeddah so that they can start their own home businesses has been so successful that it should be adopted by the charity organizations throughout the Kingdom, said Muhammad Al-Fadhl, chairman of the Jeddah Chamber of Commerce and Industry. The chairman's comment came during a celebration to mark Arab Orphan Day held at the Arab Mall in Jeddah, Thursday, organized by the Jeddah Charity Society. The charity society provides financial support to needy families and individuals in the city, including families who are trying to earn a living by starting a small business at home, said Mazen Batterji, Deputy Chairman of the JCCI. The society recently provided 10 needy families in Jeddah with SR30,000 each to start their own small businesses. Earlier this month, Yousef Al-Othaimeen, Minister of Social Affairs, called for educating, training, and employing the poor so that they can make a living rather than simply making direct social security cash deposits into their bank accounts. The Arab Orphan Day is a pan-Arab celebration to provide support to orphans and to honor their contribution to society that is largely based around a strong family center. Meanwhile, the Women's Welfare Society here arranged a special event to celebrate Arab Orphans Day at the Jeddah South Mall. Nisreen Ali Al-Edrissi, the head of the society, emphasized that besides enjoyment, children were given an opportunity to learn something educational as well. Supporting developing skills of the orphans is a religious duty as well and very important for society. “We planned to do something special for the poor families and orphans,” she said. “Our children prepared gifts, food and visited the poor families and orphans to celebrate the orphans day and be a part of society with happiness and we prepared for them a fun-day program so that they could enjoy themselves. “The main aim behind today's celebrations was to do something special for poor families,” she said. Orphans, if not taken care of properly, will end up in the street and then fall easy prey to drugs. They run a high risk of becoming adults with children of their own without ever having lived and learned the social experiences and values that are needed to sustain a stable, peaceful and productive society. Many orphans and adolescents today lack family, medical and community care, and bear responsibilities beyond their ability and experience. Around 57 children in the age group of two and three enjoyed magic shows, skating, face painting, and watching children's movies. They also had fun and games with a clown, had a quiz competition and a drawing competition, and participated in hand printing and many other activities throughout the day. “I am so happy and excited today as I am having fun with other children and enjoying myself. I wish I could have fun like this once a month,” said Amani Mohammed, an 8-year old girl. The Women's Welfare Society helps and sponsors almost 3,500 families and tries to develop their skills and talent. It provides them with opportunities to financially support their families and maintain their quality of life.
