JEDDAH: Five hundred and fifty students, comprising 260 boys and 160 girls from Jeddah and 130 boys from Makkah, who successfully completed the annual "Al-Baik House Hero Summer Program," were given certificates at a graduation ceremony held at the Vocational Industrial Institute in Jeddah on Sunday.
The ceremony for the girls was held at Al-Faisaliah Women's Welfare Society in Jeddah, while the Makkah boys' graduation event is being held at the Training College in the holy city today.
Lasting for four weeks under the supervision of the Vocational Industrial Institute, Al-Faisaliah Women's Welfare Society Jeddah and the Training College in Makkah, with the collaboration of the Saudi Red Crescent and the Jeddah and Makkah Civil Defense, the program consisted of a series of instructional courses that teach useful and practical skills that the students can apply in their homes, schools and future workplaces.
Some of the graduates demonstrated their skills at changing the automobile spark plugs and engine oil, as well as rendering first-aid to accident victims during the ceremony in Jeddah. "I have found the participation rewarding," said 14-year-old Abdul Aziz Al-Zahrani of Jeddah. "I hope to start my own automobile workshop when I grow up."
Rami S. Abu Ghazaleh, CEO of Al-Baik Food Systems, said the annual program was introduced seven years ago. "Aside from being instructive, the program involves character building, encourages team spirit and teaches the value of time spent productively," he said.
By K.S. Ramkumar
© Arab News 2008
