JEDDAH: Saudi families are utilizing the spring break by educating their daughters about the dangers of divorce and spinsterhood. A new spring break program has been organized by Al-Mawaddah Center for Social Reform and Family Guidance, under the theme of “Who am I?” aimed at girls and women between the ages of 14 and 20. Recent Saudi government figures show that 65 percent of divorcees are aged between 18 and 35; and that 46 percent of divorces took place during the first three years of marriage. The program is to help young people maintain the family structure and reduce divorce rates in cooperation with the Islamic courts and security services. “Such small courses can be very important to the new generation because it helps to enlighten them about the dangers facing many, like divorce and the high number of spinsters,” said Azza Abu Bakr, a sociologist from King Abdulaziz University (KAU). According to Abu Bakr, good preparation for adult life and marriage could lower divorce rates in the Kingdom. “The media has changed the perception of what marriage and a family means, that's why many young couples are suffering from miscommunication which leads to divorce during the first few years of married life,” she added. Zuhair Abdurrahman Al-Nasser, a professor, said the program seeks to enrich participants with knowledge and skills so that they can become responsible leaders of their community. Lama Al-Mohandis, a participant at one of the programs, said she is gaining knowledge to develop her personality and become a good housewife.
