Coca-Cola Middle East paid tribute to two Ripples of Happiness university teams from Saudi Arabia who had participated in the regional Ripples of Happiness program during the Injaz Annual Ceremony. The teams who won second and third place were from King Abdulaziz University and the University of Business and Technology, respectively, and were recognized for their innovative community outreach programs. The Ripples of Happiness program – now in its second year - is co-created and developed by the Coca-Cola Foundation and Injaz Al-Arab. The primary focus of the educational program is to encourage students to become more socially responsible members of the community, as well as promoting entrepreneurial, financial literacy and workplace readiness The Ripples of Happiness team of 15 students from King Abdulaziz University in Saudi Arabia, were awarded a micro grant from the Coca-Cola Foundation after winning second place in the regional ‘Ripples of Happiness' program. The project developed by the students of King Abdulaziz University was appropriately named “I Hear my Book” and sought to transform books into audible versions in order to facilitate and maximize accessibility. This noble cause was undertaken with the visually impaired in mind, as well as the illiterate population. Their strategy aimed at educating book publishers and libraries on the importance of providing audiobooks as well as producing some of their own to raise awareness. The other Ripples of Happiness team of 8 students from The University of Business & Technology were also bestowed a micro grant for coming in third. The “Face To Face against Aids” project under the title “Waqi” was the brainchild of the students from The University of Business & Technology. This initiative targeted society as a whole with a special focus on young men and women- including those affected by this disease. The objectives revolved around raising awareness for a better understanding of Aids as well as attempting to change people's perceptions regarding this ‘taboo' subject. By arming themselves with knowledge they sought to break social barriers through the power of education. Additionally, the project aimed at transcending the deafening silence that engulfs the subject of AIDS by activating social roles across various channels, with a focus on preventive measures, and delivering a message by those affected by it from persons in authoritative positions. Both teams were recognized and rewarded by the Ripples of Happiness program for successfully planning, organizing and financing a creative and innovative solution to a social problem in their community. The Ripples of Happiness program took place simultaneously in 20 Universities across Palestine, Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, Lebanon, and Jordan with more than 300 participating students. All students that were involved in the program across the region were mentored by Coca-Cola employees and volunteers from the Injaz AL-Arab network over a period of six weeks. The event that took place at the Hilton Hotel in Jeddah was hosted by Injaz Saudi Arabia, in association with Coca-Cola Middle East, and celebrated the student's notable achievements. Seeing as the Coca-Cola brand has become synonymous with Corporate Social Responsibility, they had an eminent presence at the event. Specifically, the Ripples of Happiness program, which has received wide acclaim, shone its inspirational spotlight on the winning students. Coca-Cola's efforts were also recognized by the Minister of Commerce, Toufic al Roubaya, for the development of youth in Saudi Arabia. – SG
