Iktefa'a (Sufficiency) Women Charity Association in Jeddah had completed the first scientific survey targeting 37,000 Saudi families living in 12 rural areas. The survey's aim is to provide these areas with better service and achieve the sustainable development system. The program will continue for the next five years. “Iktefa'a has many plans for the future. We will begin surveys in Makkah, Taif, and all rural areas in the Western Region,” said Jawahara Al-Anqari, chairperson of Iktefa'a Women Charity Association in Jeddah. The program, she said, targets all needy families. Raeda Bin Laden, General Secretary of Iktefa'a, said, “We will work as a bridge between needy families and charity associations, especially since not all the needy families are registered with charity associations.” Four major stages will be involved in the implementation of this program. The first stage is to have a field survey of the rural areas. “We have finished the first stage by visiting 12 districts of Jeddah city, and collect data from thirty-seven needy families,” said Raeda. The second stage of the program, called statistical analysis, includes the promotion of the survey to support its results with statistics, analysis, as well as pervious experience, she said. “The third stage of this program is the quick recovery, where Iktefa'a will apply quick solutions for the families suffering of poverty and illness,” she added. The final part of the program is to connect the needy families with professionals and businessmen. This could help the poor and unemployed members to take benefit of special job opportunities, Raeda said.
