Saudi Arabia: Summer camp aims to help young women plan for future

RIYADH: With the aim of generating a sense of social responsibility among young Saudi adults, the Summer of Luthan camp for girls has been established at Luthan, the first women-only hotel in Riyadh.

The three-week camp, which begins on July 5, is a new concept in summer camps. Among its many programs include visits to workplaces where women are taking the lead. It will also present workshops to enhance the girls’ knowledge of many aspects of life and to build their self-esteem and confidence.

“It is essential to build in the young girls the initiating characteristic, as many were not trained to step up; they are mainly receivers,” says Dr. Nora Al Yousif, a university professor and a consultant on women’s affairs to the Shoura Council.

Al-Yousif, one of the Summer of Luthan planners, said that introducing the young girls to achievers from their society could encourage them to work hard and be confident.

“Social responsibility in our society is still crawling, while in Western society it is a tool that leads development plans to compete — and sometimes overtake — government initiatives,” said Princess Madawi bint Mohammad, board director of Luthan, at a press conference held for announcing the summer camp, which is open to girls of high school and college ages.

“We hope that this initiative we are adopting will be an example for establishing the concept of social responsibility,” she said

About 70 percent of the Saudi population is under the age of 30. Princess Madawi points out that targeting this category is important to create successful examples of women playing an important role in society.

“Building the sense of patriotism and belonging is one of the goals of the Summer of Luthan,” says Aziza Al-Khateeb, another of the camp’s planners. “It is important to read between the lines of this initiative. It sets an example for the participation of the private sector in the field of social responsibility.”

Saudi Arabian society has long offered summertime activities for its youth — young men and women alike.

But Princess Madawi says that many of them are devoted to entertainment and time-wasting activities that do not necessarily engender qualities that can lead young men and women to become productive, socially conscientious citizens.

The Summer of Luthan program, she said, is aimed at a specific key age group of young women with useful activities.

“With Summer of Luthan, we are presenting the girl who is trying to plan her future with a comprehensive program to clarify her vision for future and equip her with necessary tools,” said Princess Madawi.

The camp includes workshops in etiquette, arts and crafts, drawing and other girls’ interests in an entertaining manner, and away from the daily, rigid routine of rote learning.
Princess Madawi said that more programs would be offered in coming years.

-- Walaa Hawari Arab News