During the summer season, many young Saudis become involved in voluntary work aiming to spend their free time adding to their experience by helping others, benefiting society and reaping for themselves the rewards of volunteerism. This year Saudi Aramco has provided an opportunity for 20 young Saudis to volunteer to take care of special needs children, and others who are orphans or cancer patients, in the company's awareness exhibition which is being held at the Mall of Arabia here as part of the 31st Jeddah Summer Festival. Adel Magrabi, senior Aramco official in the Western Region, said, “For the first time 20 volunteers of different ages are involved in the Aramco exhibition which gives them an opportunity to experience the difficulties that some children are facing.” “Aramco is very interested in spreading the culture of volunteerism throughout society, and the company will make further efforts to do so in the future,” he added. There has been a noticeable involvement of female volunteers in this summer's acivities. Salma Al-Amoodi, a 17-year-old high school graduate, feels that her work as a volunteer has helped her own personal development. “I used to be shy and reluctant to talk in public. But when I volunteered to take part in Earth Day, it helped me become bolder and more self-assured, because when people ask you about the event that you are involved in, you must be able to talk and answer them quickly and confidently,” she said. Her past experience as a volunteer encouraged her to take part in the Aramco summer program. “I like volunteering; it is a good way to gain experience and develop a sense of responsibility,” she said, adding “all these things develop your experience which will be of great use to you when you get a job”. Al-Amoodi is in charge of the stage in the Aramco exhibition, which is where children play, sing and receive gifts. “Keeping the stage neat and tidy is my responsibility. I have learned how to deal with children and with different types of people. These are some of the important skills you gain from volunteering,” she said. Nosaiba Al-Sheekh, 18, said that she feels blessed to be able to work with children especially those suffering from cancer. “Voluntary work gives me a chance to see different aspects of life and to work with others who are less fortunate that I am. It also helps me manage my time and serve my community,” Al-Sheekh said. A number of the Aramco volunteers commented on their delight in working with poor and special needs children. “When I see the children happy and laughing, it makes me very satisfied,” said Shorooq Al-Gurashi, a 20-year-old student at King Abdulaziz University (KAU). Another KAU student, Arwa Assalmi, spoke for the other volunteers when she said that she wanted to spend her summer vacation doing something that was useful for society. The group of volunteers at the Aramco exhibition work together well. “We are working as a team, cooperating with each other, exchanging ideas and trying to improve our program,” Naif Samkari, a KAU student, said. Maeen Fatani,said that he has made good friends by becoming involved with volunteer work and that he looks forward to volunteering for other projects after the summer vacation is over. Mohammad Al-Humaidi, another Aramco volunteer, said that there are many rewards in volunteerism, but that in the end “we are working for a charitable purpose, and our reward will be from Allah”.
