JEDDAH — Dar Al Hekma University has recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Aloula Foundation whereby the University will train disadvantaged young men and women aged 15-18 years old under the supervision of Aloula. Signed on the sidelines of Hakawi Exhibition, which was organized by Dar Al Hekma here, the memorandum targets young men and women of Aloula Foundation while reflects at the same the University’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) policy aiming to serve community. Both Aloula and Dar Al Hekma have joined hands to design an innovative project geared towards 30 disadvantaged young men and women in south Jeddah. The project aims to integrate experiential learning with emphasis on developing research skills for the disadvantaged youth and better preparing them to deal with different challenges so that they can create job opportunities for themselves. It involves sessions and workshops to develop their critical thinking skills, creativity, self-expression, story-telling, team work and collaboration. The youth will be taught how to conduct analysis and research and how to present research results using a variety of creative communication means such as performing art, music, photography in addition to many various skills. “In order to achieve its mission, Dar Al Hekma instills important values in student’s minds including giving to society, loyalty, sense of belonging and responsibility. Community service is an integral part of Dar Al Hekma curricula as students are required to complete 100 hours of community service in order to graduate. Countless students have partaken in many community service activities,” said Dr. Suhair Al-Qurashi, president of Dar Al Hekma and member of the University’s Board. She pointed out that the partnership reflects the pivotal role Aloula continues to play as a non-profit organization in line with the foundation’s mission aiming to develop the skills and capabilities of south Jeddah disadvantaged youth and help them break the cycle of poverty. A team of volunteers, professionals, trainers, advisors and students from the University leads the project. At the end of the exhibition, the young men and women will have a chance to tell their success story in a creative and innovative way. The project also comprises numerous segments focusing on knowledge, skills, work habits and common personality traits which are important for the 21st Century youth. These include critical thinking, verbal and written communication, public speaking, literacy of information technology and communications and convincing others with one’s ideas. — SG