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

The Global Scouts Project, Phase Two, aims to unleash the potential of Saudi youth in volunteer and community engagement. This ambitious project focuses on establishing organized scout groups within eight universities across the Kingdom, supporting the active participation of women and youth in the local and international scout movement, and encouraging their involvement in community volunteer work within the higher education sector. By aligning with the World Organization of the Scout Movement and preparing students for non-profit developmental projects, this initiative strives to develop the educational program for higher education while impacting the lives of 100,000 young men and women in the Kingdom through community and volunteer activities.

One of the fundamental objectives of the project is to support the Girl Scouts in the Kingdom, cultivate leadership resources, and enhance membership in the rover stage. By providing opportunities for female students to become leaders in scouting, the project empowers them to take on influential roles within their communities.

Driving Scouting's Impact on Society

Several vital objectives are pursued to advance scouting programs and their influence on Saudi society. Firstly, the project aims to gain a comprehensive understanding of scout programs and activities that contribute to community service and national development throughout the Kingdom. Secondly, it seeks to acquaint participants with international best practices and experiences concerning the role of scouting in community engagement. Thirdly, the project aims to identify the most critical societal needs that can be addressed through scouting's involvement in community service. Moreover, it strives to implement scout programs and activities that are specifically tailored to meet the unique requirements of each region in Saudi Arabia.

The project also focuses on the development of skills, concepts, and values that enhance the effectiveness of scout programs in serving the community and fostering national development. These principles and values can be integrated into scout preparation programs and the wider educational curriculum. Additionally, the project emphasizes the measurement of the impact resulting from the implementation of developmental initiatives in collaboration with the World Scout Association. Lastly, the project aims to empower female students to assume leadership positions within the scout movement, promoting gender equality and inclusive participation.

The Global Scouts Project thrives on strong partnerships with key stakeholders:

• World Scouts Foundation, World Organization of the Scout Movement: Collaboration with this international organization ensures the project's alignment with global scouting principles and best practices.
• Arab Scout Association - Girl Guides Committee: This partnership supports the participation of women in scouting activities and strengthens the Girl Scouts movement in the Kingdom.
• Eight Saudi Universities: As the project rolls out, eight universities, with Princess Nourah bint Abdulrahman University leading as a pilot model, will establish organized scout groups and actively engage their students in scout activities.

The Global Scouts Project spans from August 2020 to December 2023, focusing on the three target universities: Imam Abdulrahman bin Faisal University, King Khalid University, and Diriyah Development Authority. The project aims to impact a total of 100,000 young men and women in the Kingdom, with 500 rover scouts enrolled in clans. In 2022, the project will benefit 100 rover scouts and 260 participating students in activities at Princess Nourah bint Abdulrahman University, along with 80 rover scouts at Imam Abdulrahman bin Faisal University.

The Global Scouts Project has made significant strides since its inception, with notable achievements as of 2022. The project's success can be attributed to the following milestones:

Detailed plans have been meticulously prepared for the targeted universities, outlining the specific strategies and activities to be implemented. These plans have been presented during coordination meetings with supervisory bodies and university deans, ensuring alignment and effective collaboration. Regular meetings with the Girl Scouts Committee serve as a platform for ongoing collaboration, progress tracking, and the development of qualification programs tailored to the specific needs of the universities involved. These meetings ensure consistent advancement and the continuous enhancement of the project's initiatives.

Through field visits and meetings with female leaders under the guidance of the Girl Guides Committee, Princess Nourah bint Abdulrahman University has successfully fostered a supportive and empowering environment for scouting. The university's students have engaged in various activities during the first half of the year, including a field visit to monitor the project's progress and meet with the leaders in Riyadh under the supervision of the Girl Guides Committee. Following that, the university took on the responsibility of monitoring the scout groups and ensuring the effective implementation of project activities.

The dedication of female leaders from Princess Nourah bint Abdulrahman University is evident in their completion of wooden badge research. They have presented four research papers to the committee and the association for approval. This dedication and commitment to advancing the scout movement and their demonstrated expertise are valuable contributions to the project's overall objectives.

Furthermore, a contract has been signed with Imam Abdulrahman bin Faisal University, solidifying their commitment and active participation in the project. To ensure the project's sustainability and effectiveness, personnel from the university underwent comprehensive training. This training equipped them with the necessary skills and knowledge to serve on the supervision committee and lead the scout movement within the university. Additionally, 15 individuals have been qualified to work on the supervision committee, and female leaders have been qualified in an introductory course on the rover scout program from September 11 to 15, 2022, conducted online. Moreover, 10 female leaders from the university have completed the foundational training from September 17 to 21, 2022, with the participation of Saudi leaders in the training.

With these achievements and ongoing efforts, the Global Scouts Project possesses a unique ability to make a lasting impact in fostering leadership, personal growth, and community engagement among young men and women in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.