The Joy of Fasting 2 in Al-Ahsa: An initiative to reduce accidents during Ramadan
Under the generous patronage of His Royal Highness Prince Saud bin Talal bin Badr, Governor of Al-Ahsa, the Sanad Association for Social Responsibility launched the second edition of its pioneering Ramadan initiative, “Joy of a Fasting Person 2.” This community initiative aims to achieve two main objectives: enhancing road safety and reducing accidents that increase during peak hours before Maghrib prayer, and distributing Iftar meals to fasting drivers, in strategic partnership with King Faisal University.
Background of the initiative: To tackle the speed challenge before breakfast
The “Joy of Fasting” initiative comes as a direct response to a recurring phenomenon during the holy month of Ramadan, where roads and main streets in various cities across the Kingdom witness a significant increase in vehicle speeds and a rise in traffic accident rates in the minutes leading up to Iftar (the breaking of the fast). This behavior stems from drivers' haste to reach their homes and share the Iftar meal with their families, endangering their lives and the lives of others. Hence, the importance of such initiatives, which combine charitable work with preventative awareness, has become evident, offering a practical and effective solution to this seasonal problem.
Implementation mechanism and objectives of “Farah Sa’im 2”
The project's field plan focuses on deploying trained volunteer teams at key intersections and busy traffic points throughout Al-Ahsa Governorate. The volunteers provide light breakfast meals to drivers, helping to alleviate their stress and encourage safer driving. During an introductory meeting held at the College of Business Administration auditorium at King Faisal University, the project supervisor, Saud Al-Shuaibi, emphasized the importance of field training for the volunteers and explaining safety and traffic management protocols to ensure smooth traffic flow and the safety of all participants.
Dr. Mohammed Al-Eid, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Association, praised the generous patronage of His Highness the Governor of Al-Ahsa, stressing that it embodies the wise leadership’s interest in supporting community initiatives that have a tangible impact on people’s lives and promote the values of solidarity and giving.
Building on the success of the first edition
The second edition of the initiative draws inspiration from the significant achievements of the previous year, when over 800 volunteers successfully distributed more than 60,000 breakfast meals. This year, the association aims to surpass these figures by increasing the number of volunteers and expanding the geographical reach of distribution points, thereby amplifying the project's positive impact and reaching the largest possible number of beneficiaries.
Societal importance and investing in youth energies
The significance of the “Joy of Fasting People 2” initiative extends beyond simply distributing meals; it serves as a model for effective partnership between civil society organizations, the academic sector, and the government. It also contributes to harnessing the energy of university students and directing it towards organized volunteer work, aligning with the goals of the Kingdom’s Vision 2030, which aims to promote a culture of volunteerism and increase the contribution of the non-profit sector to development. At the conclusion of the meeting, the association extended an open invitation to the young men and women of Al-Ahsa to register and contribute to the success of this Ramadan initiative, which embodies the spirit of giving and social responsibility.
