Orphans and handicapped children will enjoy a happy month as Saudi Aramco began special entertainment programs for them as part of the summer festival. The event was launched Monday and is slated to continue till the month's end. Eleven charity bodies as well as orphans associations from Jeddah and Makkah joined Aramco in the Al-Shalal (recreation area) to celebrate summer vacations with the orphans. “Our duty is to communicate with society and encourage other companies to support social services,” said Nabil Baashn, head of Aramco in the Western Region. According to Baashn, this is the ninth round of the event which is designed to make all the children happy. The event also offered a glimpse of the Kingdom's history by displaying the country's culture and traditions. Traditional food and clothes were also on display. “We have tried to make the children aware of their country's past by offering them special traditional clothes, food, and Zamzam water,” added Baashn. The traditional show gave the children a brief idea about Jeddah's history,” said Abdullah, a child participant. All the participating children were from different associations and they presented fashion shows representing their organizations, Baashn said. Noted actor Hani Abu Al-Soud and his band presented many stories for the children and their families. “I was very happy today when I saw my sons and daughters celebrating the summer vacation with their orphan and handicapped friends,” said Umm Abdullah Al-Ghamdi, a Saudi housewife. Dr. Ali Al-Henaki, Director General of Social Affairs Management in Makkah, said the event aims to encourage all the companies in both private and government sectors to launch such programs. “I am very proud of the efforts of the Ministry of Social Affairs, charity associations, and Aramco to involve orphans and the handicapped in all recreational events,” he said. Hind Abdulrazaq, a Syrian housewife, hoped that Aramco would organize more such events for orphans and the needy. “I noticed that this event is opened to all children from different nationalities. This is amazing and this is the first time we have seen such an event that takes care of the expatriates as well,” she said. Several theater shows, plays, games, and lectures have been organized for the children. “We gave all the children training in matters, such as, how to deal with fire,” added Baashn. “This time around we have introduced a painting competition for the children to draw pictures of King Abdullah, Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques.
