Dr. Hayat Sindi, a pioneering Saudi scientist, was invited by Harvard University to attend the popular “Nifty Fifty” US program, which seeks to inspire the future scientists and innovators to pursue their dreams.
Speaking to the students at the Washington DC-based Catholic School for Girls, Hayat shared with them her journey in becoming one of the world’s most promising scientists.
Hayat told the students, “I now live the dream of making new discoveries and scientific breakthroughs that will transform the world and make a difference.”
In her presentation to the young students, Hayat spoke of her personal experience of success. She said, “There are three secrets to the long-term success of any challenge: Persistence, patience and perfection.”
The attendees, both students and their staff, warmly received Hayat’s presentation.
A letter of thanks sent on behalf of the students read, “We just wanted to thank you for inviting Dr. Hayat Sindi to speak to us today. She is a powerful, well-spoken and successful woman who inspired us to
seek the possibility of new horizons.”
Alexandria Hegeman, a 16-year-old girl who dreams of studying medicine at Harvard Medical School wrote to Hayat: “I just wanted to let you know that I absolutely loved listening to you, and learning from your experience. It was one of the best experiences of my life. You were so inspirational and your journey is amazing.”
Known as one of the programs of Science Spark, “Nifty Fifty” features some of the most inspiring global leaders in science, technology, engineering and mathematics who will fan out across the Washington, DC area, in the 2013-2014 school year to speak about their work and careers at various middle and high schools.
Saudi scientist shares her inspiration with students
Saudi scientist shares her inspiration with students
UN honors Saudi Reef chief with medal for sustainable development
- Ghassan Bakri is empowering small agricultural producers
- Saudi Reef helps to boost food security, protect resources
RIYADH: Ghassan Bakri, secretary-general of the Sustainable Agricultural Rural Development Program, known as Saudi Reef, has received a UN first-class medal of honor for his developmental work.
The award recognizes his leadership in advancing the program’s objectives and enhancing its impact in the rural sector, the Saudi Press Agency reported recently.
This international honor acknowledges his supervision of initiatives to empower small-scale agricultural producers and improve rural productivity and efficiency.
It also highlights his work in developing agricultural value chains, increasing access to local markets, and reinforcing the sustainability of farming activities.
The UN recognition further reflects the program’s efforts to build international partnerships and share expertise in sustainable agriculture.
It underscores initiatives on food security that support the agricultural ecosystem and improve resource efficiency, the SPA reported.
Earlier, the UN World Tourism Organization praised Saudi Reef for promoting sustainable development by linking it to rural tourism and showcasing the cultural heritage of communities.
Basmah Al-Mayman, the organization’s director of the Regional Department for the Middle East, commended the program for organizing multiple rural tourism events across the Kingdom.
In a report published by the SPA last month, the program projected that the average monthly income of its beneficiaries, including farmers and producers, will exceed SR20,000 ($5,300) per person by 2030.
This expected growth underscores the program’s commitment to enhancing economic sustainability in rural areas, in alignment with Vision 2030 objectives, the SPA stated.
Saudi Reef spokesperson Majed Al-Buraikan said the rise in farmers’ incomes reflects the program’s expanded support for more than 200,000 beneficiaries, which boosts productivity, local investment, and sustainability through modern irrigation and agricultural mechanization.
He added that the projected income growth for small farmers and producers reflects the success of Saudi Reef initiatives in empowering communities and enhancing their contribution to the national economy.
Al-Buraikan said the program has successfully introduced multi-billion-riyal products into the Saudi market, with the fruit sector alone exceeding SR2.3 billion and the coffee sector reaching SR825 million.
He pointed out that the total market value covers five main sectors: fruits, coffee, honey, roses, and rain-fed crops.
The program provides financial and advisory support to small-scale farmers, beekeepers, fishermen, and productive rural families across several sectors.
