Alwaleed Philanthropies “Global” and World Scouting Collaborate to Launch Volunteering Programs in Saudi Universities and Authorities

The second phase of the World Scouting Project aims to harness the potential of Saudi youth in volunteer work and community participation. This ambitious initiative focuses on establishing organized scouting groups in eight universities across Saudi Arabia, promoting the participation of women and youth in both local and global scouting movements, and encouraging their involvement in volunteer work within the higher education sector.

By aligning volunteer programs in Saudi universities with the World Organization of the Scout Movement’s standards and preparing students for participation in nonprofit developmental projects, the project seeks to develop educational programs for higher education and positively impact the lives of more than 100,000 young men and women in the Kingdom through community and volunteer initiatives.

A key objective is to support Girl Scouts in Saudi Arabia by developing human resources through leadership training and increasing membership in the Rover phase. The project empowers female students to become scouting leaders and take on influential roles within their communities.

The World Scouting Project aims to:

• Develop a comprehensive understanding of scouting programs that contribute to community service and national development across all regions.
• Learn from international best practices related to scouting’s role in community service.
• Identify key community needs that scouting can address locally.
• Implement scouting programs tailored to meet the unique needs of each region.

The project also focuses on building skills, values, and concepts that enhance scouting’s effectiveness in community service and national development, integrating these into scout preparation programs and general education curricula. It prioritizes measuring the impact of developmental initiatives in collaboration with the World Organization of the Scout Movement and supports female students in assuming leadership roles.

Collaboration with the World Organization of the Scout Movement ensures the project aligns with global scouting principles. The Saudi Arabian Scouts Association, through its Girl Guides Committee, promotes female participation and advances the Girl Scouts movement in the Kingdom. Saudi universities and authorities, including Princess Nourah bint Abdulrahman University as a pilot model, establish organized scouting groups and encourage student engagement.

By 2024:

• 70 leaders qualified to lead clans in universities and partner institutions
• 366 Rovers active at King Khalid University
• 20 members at Princess Nourah University with registration opening in 2024
• 32 members at Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University, also with registration opening in 2024
• 100 individuals benefited from Diriyah Gate Development Authority programs
• 1,500 students involved in Rover activities across universities
• Thousands benefited from Rovers’ participation in Hajj service projects

Student Activities (Scouting)

• Imam Abdulrahman University: January 28–31, 2024 — Four-day volleyball tournament with 15 universities participating, managed by 25 scouts and leaders.
• King Khalid University: October 18-19, 2024 — 22 scouts represented Saudi Arabia at the global Jota Joti online scouting camp, engaging with over one million participants worldwide, earning certificates and badges.
• National Day Celebration: September 23, 2024 — 12 students actively participated in activities for university students and visitors.

Community Engagement

• Diriyah Development Authority: November 3, 2023 — 30 scouts helped welcome over 4,000 visitors during Flag Day celebrations.
• Visual Pollution Reduction: 40 volunteers worked across 9 neighborhoods in Diriyah, identifying 135 pollution elements and implementing initiatives like wall painting to reduce visual pollution.

Princess Nourah bint Abdulrahman University Activities

• January 21, 2024 — Scouts helped organize a meeting with the Minister of Industry and Mineral Resources for female students and supported the launch of the Quality Control Diploma program.
• July 12, 2024 — Participation in a guidance course at the Public Service Camp for Hajj 1445H, where several awards were earned.
• 2024 Hajj Season — Scouts provided vital support to pilgrims throughout the season.

More than 40 Rovers and leaders from partner universities supported the 2023 and 2024 Hajj seasons, with their efforts featured on the World Organization of the Scout Movement’s official website.