As part of summer activities in Eastern Province, the Ministry of Education conducted “Ramadan Welcomes You” program for young children in various schools. The program was a “great success,” as the authorities put it since about 3,000 students benefited from the 21-day program that began Aug. 23. The summer oriented program mainly focused to improve children's individual capabilities in all aspects. Children went through various activities such as sports, brain-storming exercises, prominent people's lectures on various topics, karate coaching classes, swimming classes and Qur'an memorizing programs. In Dammam International School on Musthashfa Road, the activities included an awareness campaign against swine flu for students and their parents. In view of the growing number of swine flu cases, the program was very beneficial as it clearly outlined the precautionary measures against the disease. Abdul Hakeem, chief organizer and a long-time teacher of Dammam International School said constructive activities for the children help in shaping up their character and summer vacation is the ideal time when these traits are further developed. “We are conducting awareness campaign against smoking, harmful effects of narcotic on human body and general behavior of each member of the society toward others,” Abdul Hakeem told Saudi Gazette. “Close to 300 students from various nationalities attended the great program in our school which really benefited the children. “We are planning to conduct more such programs in near future with the help of Ministry of Education,” Abdul Hakeem added. __
