JEDDAH: An administration and registration building at Effat University was inaugurated Monday by Princess Luluah Al-Faisal, Vice Chairperson of the Effat University Board of Founders and Board of Trustees and General Supervisor of the university. The building was named Suad Al-Jafali and is expected to smooth the registration process for female students. “This building will reflect the good partnership between our university and society in terms of social and cultural development,” said Dr. Haifa Rida Jamal Al-Lail, President of the University. “I hope this building will help organize the registration process and increase the numbers of students at the university,” said Suad Al-Jafali, founder of Al-Oun Help Center for children with mental disabilities. She also sponsored the Tarek Al-Jafali Scientific Chair for Islamic Banking and Administration. The university held a symposium Monday on the causes and solutions for poverty. “We believe in partnerships with society. We are not only responsible for our students but also for our community,” said Al-Lail. Saleh Al-Turki, Chairman of Nesma Holding Company, highlighted the role of the private sector to help combat poverty in the Kingdom through social responsibility programs. This includes various training and education initiatives. He said Saudi Arabia is one of the few countries in the world providing free social services to its people. “Illiteracy, financial and administrative corruption, unemployment and lack of opportunities are the main reasons for poverty in the Kingdom,” he said. He said social responsibility programs were started five years ago by the Jeddah Chamber of Commerce and Industry to create awareness among Saudis. University students were upbeat about the new building. “Only a few students at Effat realize what an achievement and what an honor it is to be a student at such groundbreaking and pioneering institution. Today is yet another day of gratitude and progress. Today, we are celebrating the newest addition to our home, representing a future of achievements and successes to come,” said Abrar Al-Amri, a student of Business Administration College.
