RIYADH: Ahmed Al-Rajhi, Saudi Arabia’s minister of human resources and social development, and chairman of the board of trustees of the Charitable Foundation for Orphans Care, also known as Ekhaa, confirmed the Saudi government’s interest in empowering orphans during the opening of the Ekhaa Ramadan Nights 2023 Forum in Riyadh.
He stressed the importance of providing all means to help orphans serve their country, and motivate community institutions and individuals to participate by spending time, effort and money on their care.
Al-Rajhi, attending the forum’s launch on Monday under the slogan “Let’s Share Change” at the King Abdulaziz Center for National Dialogue, said: “Ekhaa Forum completes an important aspect in enriching the knowledge side on orphans-related issues, discussing them in light of the programs of the Kingdom’s Vision 2030, and coming up with recommendations for implementation and development in partnership with everyone who wishes to participate.
Omar Alhussain, CEO of Charitable Foundation for Orphans Care (EKHAA). (Supplied)
“Ekhaa continues its efforts to achieve four goals during 2023, represented in ensuring a safe and stable family environment for orphans, promoting financial independence for self-reliance, continuing efforts to integrate them into the society, and achieving financial sustainability for the foundation,” he added.
According to the minister, the foundation currently has 52 partnerships in the field of education, 33 partnerships in the field of employment, 14 programs for psychological and social support for orphans, and various other programs in subsidies, scholarships, volunteering, housing and legal advice.
“Ekhaa’s efforts are conducted according to the highest standards of governance that bypass and automate the vast majority of operations and services,” said Al-Rajhi.
The two-day forum discussed sustainable development and its compatibility with Vision 2030, the diversity of endowment fields, and endowment funds for the foundation. It also adressed small projects, financial investment and the circular economy, the promotion of mental and physical health, jobs and the labor market, self-marketing, as well as social responsibility and volunteering.
The first day included discussion sessions and seminars, and speakers reviewed the roles of endowment funds, the sustainability of charitable work, and the axis of entrepreneurs and the industry of tomorrow.
Ibrahim Al-Asiri, deputy secretary-general of KACND, praised the efforts of community partners to serve and care for orphans, stressing that KACND supports events and occasions that enhance the values and culture of Saudi society.
Omar Alhussain, CEO of Ekhaa, told Arab News: “The foundation seeks, through the Ekhaa Ramadan Nights Forum, to increase donation opportunities and urge people to initiate good deeds in the month of Ramadan, to participate, and to promote social responsibility among individuals towards their society, in addition to increase children’s participation to achieve a positive impact on their behavior, as well as the development of the skills and experiences of Ekhaa’s children and their integration within society.”
Ekhaa offers services to thousands of orphans with special needs through its 10 branches in the Kingdom in Riyadh, Makkah, Madinah, Jeddah, Dammam, Hail, Qassim, Abha, Shuqrah and Jazan.
The foundation provides services in areas such as housing and living, education, training and assistance in employment, financial assistance, Hajj and Umrah, marriage and family care, as well as other social and cultural programs and activities.
It seeks to harness all its potential to serve children and women and to build privileged relations with all concerned parties to contribute to upgrading their services and achieving the desired transition from dependence to responsibility.
The foundation’s vision is to be a potential regional institution for orphans, supporting their stability and quality of life and participation in sustainable community development.
