Ministry to secure jobs for orphans

JEDDAH — The Ministry of Labor and Social Development has started counting the number of orphans in Makkah and establishing a database for them with a view to employing them in the private sector. "We are aiming to make the orphans productive citizens to ensure them with financial independence," director of the ministry's branch in Makkah Abdullah Bin Mohammed Al-Olayan, told Al-Madinah newspaper. He said this is a first phase which will be implemented within a month and will be followed by a second phase to employ the poor Saudis who are beneficiaries of social security assistance. Olayan said a committee was constituted to formulate the mechanism of employing the orphans and the beneficiaries of social security payouts in the private sector based on their interests and qualifications. He said the committee comprises a number of orphans from social homes and orphanages, welfare societies and families, in addition to representatives from the ministry and the Jeddah Chamber of Commerce and Industry (JCCI). Olayan said the committee will gather feedback from male and female orphans and document their skills as a prelude to employing them in the private sector. "We are currently establishing a broad database on the orphans to know their exact number and list their qualifications and skills," he added. The director said financial independence will help turn the orphans into productive members of society. "The employment of orphans in the private sector will cut down the rate of unemployment in the Kingdom," he added.