Saudi Gazette Upon completion of the intensive training program for those with hearing impairments, 50 graduates with either partial or complete deafness are ready to enter the job market. The program, entitled “The Professional Employee” was the first of its kind to empower such a large batch of people with this disability who will now qualify to find and hold jobs. In order to honor and uplift their confidence and self-esteem Saudi Aramco in Jeddah hosted a graduation ceremony for them. It was sponsored by the Deaf Club and the Women's Deaf Club. The President of Jeddah's Women Deaf Club, Fayza Natto, made it clear that the organization will continue to offer such training courses for those with hearing disabilities as it will enable them to enter the workforce. The program also trained students in computer applications, reading and writing professional reports and documents. The deaf trainees were taught various skills in the course which enabled them to not only perform efficiently at work, but to take care of their necessary day to day activities, as well. They efficaciously mastered the sign language to help communicate with people, and also learned to handle and operate equipments and tools. Natto further explained, “such training programs are highly beneficial as those who participated will learn important skills, gain self-confidence, and enhance their other senses which they can use more efficiently. The program explained to the trainees their rights, duties, and the details of a work contract. They were also shown how to use public means of transportation.” Nabil A. Ba'ashan, Manager, Saudi Aramco Affairs, in the Western province participated in the event and thanked the Deaf Club for its efforts in educating the general public in sign language and in encouraging companies and the society to accommodate and accept them. “As part of our corporate social responsibilities, Saudi Aramco is keen on supporting the Deaf Club which assists those members of the society who have special needs and are very dear to the hearts of the Saudi society,” said Ba'ashan. __
