Developing a fully fledged strategy to support Handcrafts Industry and artisans
Jeddah, The Savola Group, a leading company specializing in the food industry across the Middle East and globally , has joined hands with the Jordan River Foundation (JRF) as strategic partner to study the development of the Handicrafts Center in Saudi Arabia, as part of The Group's CSR initiatives. This decision came after an in-depth search of specialized companies across the region to deliver the program.
Based on the agreement, JRF will prepare a fully-fledged study for the project including field studies and programs to identify the needs of the Project as well as developing the idea model for the Project. The study, which will run for four months, will include a series of workshops and meeting with various stakeholders in addition to specialized workshops with internal stakeholders within the Group.
Upon signing the agreement, Dr. Ghassan Ahmed Al-Sulaiman, Corporate Social Responsibility Chairman at the Savola said, "Jordan River Foundation has been selected for two main reasons: one for its experience and track record in developing sustainable programs in Jordan which were clearly exemplified through numerous initiatives to develop the handicrafts industry and the artisans. The other main reason includes the cultural similarities between both Jordan and Saudi Arabia making JRF an ideal choice for us, add to that, the competitive offer submitted by the foundation compared to the other countries.
Dr. Al Sulaiman added, "We are looking forward to working with JRF through this strategic partnership and we are equally looking forward to the results of the Study which will pave a clear path to launch the program. Dr. Al Sulaiman also added that the Project is an extension of Savola's CSR programs."
Valentina Qussisiya, Director General of Jordan River Foundation expressed her delight with this partnership appreciating Savola's trust in JRF to implement the project, highlighting Savola's clear efforts when it comes to social responsibility programs and sustainable development. Qussisiya underscored Savola's global recognition in various specialized industries assuring that this partnership will add more value to the Foundation.
She added, "This is not our first experience with a Saudi companies and organizations. Jordan River Foundation has been quite active with various Saudi enterprises working on various developmental, social, and Handcraft development programs as well as other sectors and initiatives. JRF, through this partnership with Savola, aims to build a sustainable cooperation between both organizations."
Savola's commitment to social responsibility is clearly reflected in its Bridges which honor its commitment to corporate citizenship. The Company has created innovative, long-term programs where The Group's experience and expertise serve the needs of the community by helping people to become more confident and more self productive.
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About Savola:
The Savola Group is one of the Middle East's leading companies in basic food products including edible oils and sugar, as well plastic products and retail activities. The Savola Group is a Saudi Joint Stock Company that was established in 1979 with SR 40 million in capital. It is currently valued at SR 5 billion as a result of expanding its operations regionally to become a leader in its fields, which include producing of edible oils and sugar, plastics, retail stores and real estate development. Savola also produces flexible plastic packaging materials, and is one of the leading companies in the production of PET in the GCC. Additionally, Savola also exports its products to more than 30 countries around the world and its operations are spread across more than ten countries in the Middle East and North Africa.
About JRF:
The Jordan River Foundation (JRF), established in 1995 and Chaired by Her Majesty Queen Rania Al Abdullah, is a non-profit Jordanian non-governmental organization (NGO).
At the outset, the Foundation initiated socio-economic projects for women to provide employment opportunities that enhanced their livelihood while developing their knowledge and skills in handicraft production and entrepreneurship. These projects benefited thousands of individuals, directly and indirectly, and continue to generate income for vulnerable communities and families.
As the Foundation matured, and the context of development evolved in Jordan, the Foundation expanded its approach to one of sustainable community investments, integrating and serving community development needs.
Today, the Foundation is recognized nationally, regionally and internationally as an agent for positive change and as a leading Jordanian institution contributing to the social and economic well-being of citizens. Our activities have become models for emulation receiving accolades by our beneficiaries who are often held up as "success stories".
© Press Release 2011
