DAMMAM – A novel program organized by the Ministry of Social Affairs in conjunction with Saudi ARAMCO and the Association for Social Awareness and Rehabilitation (ASAR) has succeeded in reducing the number of juvenile inmates at Dammam Social Rehabilitation Center by half. The eight-month program, dubbed “New Life”, helped 50 percent of inmates, 97 in total, learn new skills and integrate into society. Ahmad Al-Othman, executive director of the program, said professors in the field of education at Dammam University and local teachers came up with the idea of rehabilitating juveniles and preparing them for a better life. “The inmates responded positively to the program and cooperated with us. The director of the center welcomed the idea and supported our work as well,” said Al-Othman. The objective of the program was to reduce the number of inmates and provide them with structured educational activities which would help them integrate into society and reduce their chances of returning to the rehabilitation center.
In addition to the inmates, the program also targeted their parents and supervisors as well. Inmates were trained in different trades, each according to his hobby and interests. Their educational and personal talents were also developed. A number of inmates praised the program saying it had given them a chance to develop and polish their skills. They thanked organizers of the program for helping them improve their skills and learn new ones to face the future confidently.
