Saudi Gazette The young, enthusiastic and aspiring team of Dar Al-Hekma Model United Nations (DAHMUN) seeks to come up with a set of enthusing events every year for their community. This year was no less, and they successfully organized the much-awaited DAHMUN's Annual Fair. The two-day fair was held at the college complex, where it received a warm response from students and outsiders. Budding student entrepreneurs and other women had set up colorful stalls where they sold a variety of goods. Apart from the usual silver jewelry, dresses, cosmetics, abaya and food stalls there were a couple of remarkably unique ones too. Nestled in the corner at the rear end of the hall, Dua'a Al Sayeed, a young Jordanian girl had set up a booth, which sold all kinds of bags and organic candles. Each bag had a different story which was written on a small card attached to it. Al-Sayeed explained that Iraqi women taking refuge in Jordan make these beautiful intricately hand-woven bags using plastic shopping bags. The moderately priced bags were sold out within a few hours after the fair opened. “ I make frequent trips to Jordan, take the bags from the Iraqi women, sell them and then take back the money to them. They strive hard to procure a better lifestyle for themselves and their children,” explained Al-Sayeed. A couple of stalls away was another intriguing booth owned by students of Inter design department at Dar Al-Hekma College – Areej Al-Akaad, Hend Al-Suairy, Manal Al Ghamdi, along with their two high school friends, Shaza and Sara. “We made a whopping profit of SR8,000 within two days,” said Al-Suairy, beaming with joy. The youthful owners sold handmade accessories, and exquisitely decorated hukka tapes, gowns, and shoes with fine crystals. “It started off as a mere hobby, but has now turned into a profitable venture. We even have a facebook page where we have started receiving orders as well. We are very happy,” said Al-Ghamdi. There was also a stall for chocolate lovers where one could buy chocolates moulded into beautiful patterns and figures, painted with colorful frostings, which made them look real. Meanwhile, a woman who was selling mouth-watering cupcakes, was not particularly happy with her sale. “The fair should have been advertized in a better way. The number of customers was too little and my revenue was unsatisfactory,” she said. On the whole it was a decent effort put up by the DAHMUN team who worked hard in organizing the fair, but a little more endeavor by the marketing department could have helped it trigger into a grand affair. __
