By Douglas LeCroy

DAMMAM — “It is better to give than to receive – this is the Saudi tradition,” said Ahmed ‘Uncle’ Alobaidi, a 6th grade student at Rowad Al Khaleej International School here.

He earned the nickname ‘Uncle’ by always showing maturity and friendship. Alobaidi and his team pick up pens and pencils they find in the hallway so they can be donated to a school in a poor village.

These collected items are to be donated to “maybe (a school) in India or Pakistan, we have not yet decided,” added Mohammed Sunbul, one of the chief teammates.

Ali Alyaqub and Eyad Alsinan work in accounting and logistics while Ali Alsalem does packaging and organizing. “We have collected almost 1,500 pens and pencils!” said Eyad.

Abdulaziz Alsaihati is one of the top collectors and contributors. “We 6th graders cannot take all of the credit because, honestly, many students from elementary school and high school also bring pens and pencils for our program.”

When asked about the name of their program, they were proud to admit that they did not choose a name yet because they are only focusing on the work right now.

Khaled Alfreihi suggested the title Saudis Giving and Doing “because we need to erase the reputation of Arabs being lazy because that is very much not true. We love to share and host.”

“Exactly,” added Hassan Salim, “only watching and taking will not benefit anyone. Giving and Doing will help prepare us for the future. Also, to waste materials or food is haram so we must avoid it 100%.”

Academic education and life education are always available. It is never too late to offer help or improve your community. Congratulations are in order for these boys for working and helping. The elders offered their best wishes for the success of their program.

Kathem Althabet rounded off by saying, “Maybe the students who receive our pens and pencils will, insha’Allah, study the cure for cancer! A dream plus effort equals results. We hope they send a selfie to us when the box arrives but maybe they do not have smartphones so donating electronics should be our next goal.”