Saudi Scouts: Volunteer efforts to serve pilgrims at the Two Holy Mosques
Organized youth efforts to serve pilgrims and visitors
In a heartwarming display of generosity and dedication, over 750 young men, boys, and leaders from the Saudi Arabian Scouts Association continue their invaluable volunteer services at the Grand Mosque in Mecca and the Prophet's Mosque in Medina. These efforts are part of the annual public service camps organized by the association during the holy month of Ramadan, aimed at serving pilgrims, visitors, and worshippers, and facilitating their performance of rituals in an atmosphere of peace and tranquility.
These volunteers, numbering more than 400 in Mecca and 350 in Medina, are spread out in the courtyards and corridors of the Two Holy Mosques, working as one team to provide a variety of services that embody the highest forms of humanitarian and national work.
A historical legacy of serving the guests of God
The participation of Saudi scouts in serving pilgrims is not a recent development, but rather an extension of a long-standing tradition spanning decades. Since its inception, the Saudi Arabian Scouts Association has consistently instilled the values of community service in its members, and serving the guests of God is considered one of the most prominent and honorable tasks that scouts compete for each year. This annual participation has provided them with extensive field experience in crowd management and handling various situations, making them a key and trusted partner for the government agencies operating in the Two Holy Mosques.
Integration of roles and diversity of tasks to support the security and service system
The tasks of the participating scouts vary and encompass several vital aspects that contribute to smooth traffic flow and providing the best possible care for visitors. Among these tasks are:
- Supporting security personnel: The scouts cooperate with the Hajj and Umrah security special forces and other security agencies in organizing crowd movement and directing worshippers to less crowded places, thus reducing stampedes and ensuring everyone's safety.
- Field guidance: They guide lost elderly people, children, and visitors who do not know the landmarks of the place, and help them reach their destinations or designated assembly points.
- Humanitarian services: They provide assistance to the elderly and disabled by pushing their wheelchairs, distributing breakfast meals and water, and contributing to any humanitarian work required by the situation.
In line with the Kingdom's Vision 2030 and the Sustainable Development Goals
These volunteer efforts align directly with the goals of Saudi Vision 2030, which aims to increase the number of volunteers in the Kingdom and enhance the quality of services provided to pilgrims. They also resonate with the "Messengers of Peace" global scouting initiative, which originated in the Kingdom and aims to promote a culture of peace, dialogue, and community service among young people worldwide. The participation of the nation's youth in these noble endeavors reflects the Kingdom's positive image and its pioneering role in disseminating a culture of volunteerism and instilling the values of active citizenship and sustainability.
