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

The World Scouting Project aims to harness the potential of Saudi youth in volunteer work and community participation. This ambitious project focuses on establishing organized scouting groups in eight universities and authorities across Saudi Arabia, supporting the participation of women and youth in local and global scouting movements, and encouraging their involvement in community volunteer work within the higher education sector. By aligning volunteer programs in Saudi universities with the framework of the World Organization of the Scout Movement, and preparing students to participate in non-profit developmental projects, the project seeks to develop the educational program for the higher education sector and impact the lives of 100,000 young men and women in the Kingdom through community and volunteer initiatives.

One of the main goals of the project is to support Girl Scouts in the Kingdom, develop human resources from leadership ranks, and increase membership in the Rover phase by empowering female students to become leaders in scouting and take on influential roles in their communities.

The World Scouting Project aims to achieve several key goals to enhance scouting programs and their impact on Saudi society. First, it seeks a comprehensive understanding of the scouting programs and activities that contribute to community service and national development across all regions of the Kingdom. Second, it aims to learn from international best practices and experiences related to the role of scouting in community service. Third, the project aims to identify the most important community needs related to scouting’s role in serving society. Additionally, it strives to implement scouting programs and activities specifically designed to meet the needs of each region in the Kingdom.

The project also focuses on developing skills, concepts, and values that enhance the effectiveness of scouting programs in serving the community and promoting national development. These concepts and values can be integrated into scout preparation programs and general education curricula. Moreover, the project emphasizes measuring the impact of implementing developmental initiatives in collaboration with the World Organization of the Scout Movement. Lastly, the project aims to empower female students to take on leadership roles in the scouting movement.

The World Scouting Project relies on strong partnerships with key entities. Collaboration with the World Organization of the Scout Movement ensures that the project aligns with global scouting principles and best practices. The Saudi Arabian Scouts Association, through its Girl Guides Committee, supports the participation of women in scouting activities and promotes the Girl Scouts movement in the Kingdom. Saudi universities and authorities including Princess Nourah bint Abdulrahman University as a pilot model, will establish organized scouting groups and encourage student participation in scouting activities.

In 2023, 70 leaders were qualified to lead clans in universities and partner institutions.

King Khalid University had 366 Rovers, Princess Nourah Bint Abdulrahman University had 20 members with registration opening in 2024, and Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University had 32 members with registration also opening in 2024. Additionally, 100 individuals from the Diriyah Gate Development Authority benefited, and 1,500 students participated in Rover activities in universities. Thousands more benefited from the Rovers' participation in the Hajj services project.

In 2023, 24 leaders from King Khalid University were trained in the initial training, entirely led by Saudi female leaders. Similarly, 20 leaders from Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University were trained in the foundational study, with Saudi female leaders participating in the training. Additionally, 24 leaders from the Diriyah Gate Development Authority were trained in the foundational study, with Saudi female leaders participating in the training.

Regular meetings with the Girl Scouts Committee have been held to improve training programs and monitor the project's progress.

At Princess Nourah Bint Abdulrahman University, Rovers participated in various activities, including organizing a horse race at Imam Muhammad Bin Saud Islamic University on February 3, 2023, participating in the Riyadh Marathon on February 9-10, visiting Prince Sultan Military Hospital on Founder’s Day on February 17, and participating in the Hajj season in May. They also took part in the Arab Scout Youth Innovation Forum in Kuwait from September 17-22 and visited the Al-Anood Foundation for Community Leadership in September 2023.

At Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University, Rovers organized the University Sports Federation Championship in January 2023, participated in the 25th meeting of the heads and directors of educational institutions in the Gulf Cooperation Council in February 2023, conducted a heritage scouting trip in March 2023, held the first clan camp in May 2023, participated in the preparatory camps for Hajj from May to July 2023, celebrated Saudi National Day in September 2023, and conducted an introductory activity with the Deaf Department in September 2023.

More than 40 Rovers and leaders from partner universities supported the Hajj season, with the event being featured on the World Organization of the Scout Movement’s website.

The World Scouting Project in Saudi Arabia aims to empower youth through organized scouting groups in universities and authorities. With a focus on women's leadership and community engagement, the project aligns with global scouting principles and seeks to impact 100,000 young men and women.