(MENAFN - Arab News) A women's welfare body has so far compiled a database of 113,316 poor and needy families in various districts in Jeddah, as part of an ambitious five-year plan in Jeddah, Makkah and Taif to provide people with skills and resources to become self-sufficient.
The most recent survey conducted by the Ektefaa Women's Welfare Organization, with the help of researchers, development planners and volunteers, was completed in the Hindawiyah area of old Jeddah on Thursday. The data of almost 9,416 were collected by the workers in the field.
The information will be used to determine the needs of the people and then to find solutions to their economic, health and social problems. It is part of a self-sufficiency family development program run by the Saudi government and non-governmental organizations.
"The survey was done to develop a comprehensive development program for individuals and families in need. The intention is to serve thousands of families each year over the next five years to ensure they achi
eve self-sufficiency," said Juhra Al-Anqari, president of the society.
She said the women's welfare body has already collected the data of 103,900 individuals and families from almost 20 districts in Jeddah, namely Nuzlah Sharqiah, Nuzlah Yamaniya, Gulail, Al-Qiryat, Madain Al-Fahad, Bani Malik, University area, East Baghdadiyah, Al-Balad, Al-Bawadi, Al-Sabeel, Kandarah, Al-Amariah, Al-Sahifa, Mushrefah, Al-Ruwais, Al-Seghar, and West Baghdadiyah.
She added that the information was requested by government agencies and community organizations and individuals interested in philanthropy and development.
She said the program's family strategic plan will survey the whole of Jeddah, Makkah and Taif.
Al-Anqari said that women researchers and development planners have played an active role in compiling statistics, studies and reports on these communities.
"The Ektefaa society invests in the power of our women to give them confidence to participate in the development of our country. In this way, Saudi women are doing their share of social responsibility towards their country," said Al-Anqari.
Sana Ismail Al-Ja'ali, executive director of public relations and marketing at Ektefaa society, said people can only become self-sufficient if they are supported by various charities.
She said there will be a comprehensive survey undertaken of under-developed areas in Makkah region. The aim is to eventually raise the living standards of all these people.
