King Abdulaziz University and Tarahum: An initiative to empower prisoners' families
In a move reflecting the commitment of academic institutions to their leading role in social responsibility, King Abdulaziz University and the National Committee for the Care of Prisoners, Released Prisoners and Their Families “Tarahum” in Jeddah Governorate signed a strategic cooperation agreement aimed at building an integrated system for the integration and rehabilitation of beneficiaries and their families, whether on the educational or professional level.
This agreement comes in the context of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s direction towards strengthening the non-profit sector and empowering the most needy groups, as the university seeks to harness its academic and research weight to provide sustainable solutions that ensure the social and economic stability of prisoners’ families, which contributes to raising their quality of life and transforming them from a circle of need and care to a circle of production and active participation in national development.
Signing ceremony and strategic objectives
The memorandum was signed in the university president's office, with Dr. Mohammed Kabli, Vice President for Academic Affairs, representing the academic side, and Eng. Fouad Al-Shuraibi, Chairman of the Board of Directors, representing the "Tarham" Committee. This collaboration establishes a practical model that combines academic expertise with field-based charitable work, ensuring the provision of high-quality services that go beyond traditional aid to genuine empowerment.
Economic empowerment and support for productive families
The collaboration focuses heavily on the economic aspect, with the university providing valuable opportunities to support the "productive families" of prisoners. Under the agreement, these families will be able to benefit from the outlets and events organized by the university to market their products, opening new business horizons for them and ensuring a sustainable income that frees them from dependency and preserves their dignity.
Scientific studies and social research
Recognizing the importance of accurately diagnosing problems before addressing them, the memorandum places great emphasis on research. The agreement stipulates conducting specialized scientific studies that delve deeply into the psychological and social effects of a parent's or child's imprisonment. These studies aim to produce practical results and recommendations that will assist decision-makers and specialists at Tarahum in designing precise therapeutic and preventative programs to alleviate the impact of the family's absence.
Training, development, and exchange of experiences
The partnership includes a comprehensive package of training programs and enrichment workshops for beneficiaries, aimed at refining their personal skills, enhancing their ability to cope with life's pressures, and facilitating their smooth reintegration into society. The agreement also addresses the professional development of the staff of the "Tarham" Committee, with the university providing specialized workshops in administrative, health, and psychological aspects to improve the efficiency of those working with this vulnerable segment of society.
The role of students and social responsibility
The memorandum presents a golden opportunity for King Abdulaziz University students to bridge the gap between theoretical education and practical application by aligning their graduation projects with the committee's objectives and enhancing its work. This provides students with practical experience that has a tangible societal impact. Furthermore, this collaboration opens doors for field training opportunities for university students within the committee, tailored to their specific areas of expertise. This fosters mutual benefit, bridges skills gaps for both parties, serves the public interest, and strengthens the values of social solidarity.
