By Shahd Alhamdan
JEDDAH — Bringing the world to you is this year’s theme of the annual festival for women and children “Aytamona 14” (Our Orphans 14). The three-day event starting Thursday (Feb. 9), supports orphans and encourage voluntary work.
The festival will be an occasion for the Jeddawis and people from surrounding areas to interact with orphans, let their children play with them, and buy and sell a variety of items. For many it will be a special event for socializing since there are entertaining activities including art, educational corners, bazaar and food area.
More than 1,000 volunteers will be at hand at the event at Waad Academy, north of Jeddah. It is being organized by Ms. Hanan Abdulaziz Alnuwaisser, head of the Jeddah office of Altaif Orphans Organization.
Sara Alfadl, the event’s campaign manager, told Saudi Gazette that the theme ‘Aytamona 14’ would be about the different continents and countries around the world. “It will give one a chance to experience the different cultures and explore what’s beautiful about every present country. We will have Asia, which will have Saudi Arabia, Palestine, China and India.
Egypt and South Africa will represent African continent, Australia and Europe as a whole, North America will have Canada, Disney, Hollywood and Brazil. South America will have Mexico,” she said.
Alfadl explained that some of the new activities this year includes, zip lining, climbing, and musical theater show.
Aytamona, the event that is held every February, succeeded in grabbing the attention of many Jeddawis since around 23,000 people attended last year’s event.
