The Ministry of Social Affairs has been playing an important role in the service of the society, notably the handicapped, the aged people and the adolescents. A report prepared by the Ministry said the social care in the kingdom of Saudi Arabia has made big strides in a very short span of time. The report said the number of the vocational and social rehabilitation centers increased to 27 in 1424-1425 AH as compared to only two in 1405AH. The Ministry is also extending assistance to families of the handicapped children, and at the same time it has been adopting guidance programs for women and housewives. --MORE 10 05 Local Time 07 05 GMT