Some 300 trainees and scouts drawn from various schools are taking part in a Jeddah Governorate sponsored campaign for cleaning and protecting the environment. The campaign which took off in the presence of Dr. Rashid Bin Mohammed Al-Zahrani, chairman of the Makkah Technical and Vocational Training Council, and Abdullah Al-Thaqafi, Director of Education in Jeddah, highlights the importance of national scouting projects in the Kingdom. Al-Zahrani said the project, which has wholeheartedly been supported by the Education Directorate and the Municipality, is in its fourth phase. “Cleanliness should be normal behavior,” he said. “The participation of young people through coordinated group efforts will have the long-term effect of instilling a sense of cleanliness in the younger generation.” Stressing the need to involve private and governmental authorities, Al-Zahrani said working together would surely prevent environmental damage. “The role of media—television and radio—is of paramount importance in putting forth solutions for future issues,” he said. “Collective work of this sort on such national initiatives will have a positive effect on raising public awareness of the importance of protecting of our environment.” Al-Thaqafi highlighted the importance of participating in such programs that instill a sense of national citizenship, responsibility, positive initiative, and cooperation with others with the aim of developing a responsible society. __
