The Ministry of Social Affairs has approved the creation of a voluntary and charitable society to help poor families become productive. The first Kingdom-wide society of its kind, which will be based in Riyadh, will help families learn skills and get jobs so they can provide honorable lives for their dependants, said Dr. Abdul Rahman Al-Nasser, the organization's founding member. The decision reflects the ministry's determination to increase and diversify voluntary charitable work, especially in the area of social care, and strengthen social partnerships to help poor families become independent, Al-Nasser said. He said the society's objectives are consistent with a number of the Ministry of Social Affairs programs including its agencies for social development and care and the Social Insurance Agency, which works to help families benefiting from the ministry's services become independent and productive. Al-Nasser said the new organization is planning to train and rehabilitate poor families all over the Kingdom by helping them live up to and benefit from their potential, and help them secure permanent sources of income that meet their needs and keep them from begging for help. It also aims to upgrade the families' social, cultural and hygienic awareness. Another objective is to set up programs and projects to in collaboration with the government and private institutions, he added. The new organization also plans to conduct studies and research focusing on these families' conditions and ways to help them, organize exhibitions to showcase and market their products and encourage rich people to help the needy families. He said this society will provide assistance to any family that needs help and has members who want to learn skills to earn a living. The society is set to hold its first constituent meeting by the end of this month to elect its board of directors from within the 28 founding members who represent a group of academics, businessmen and social activists.
