A badge of honor that erases the hardships of years
In a remarkable display of community appreciation, the mothers who won the "Prince of the Eastern Province Award for Ideal Mothers" expressed their overwhelming pride and honor, affirming that this recognition, sponsored by His Royal Highness Prince Saud bin Nayef, Governor of the Eastern Province, represents a "badge of honor" that has erased the hardships of many years of dedication and sacrifice. During the ceremony honoring 15 exceptional mothers, the winners described the moment their names were announced as a "pivotal moment" that transformed the daily challenges they faced in raising their children, especially orphans, into an inspiring national success story. They emphasized that the award is not merely a trophy, but a message of "support" and appreciation from the leadership and society for their pivotal role in building families and nurturing promising generations.
Background of the award and its lofty goals
The Prince of the Eastern Province Award for the Ideal Mother comes within the framework of pioneering community initiatives aimed at strengthening family values and highlighting the essential role of women in Saudi society. This award was launched to recognize mothers who have made exceptional sacrifices in raising their children to become active and contributing members of society. The award's significance extends beyond mere material or moral recognition; it serves as a platform to inspire new generations, telling stories of struggle, patience, and dedication from mothers who transformed the most difficult circumstances into remarkable successes. It reflects the leadership's firm belief that honoring mothers is honoring the entire society, and that building a person begins with the cornerstone: the cohesive family.
The impact of the award and its alignment with Vision 2030
The award gains added significance due to its direct alignment with the goals of the Kingdom's Vision 2030, which prioritizes "quality of life" and "family empowerment." Abdulaziz Al-Hajri, Deputy General Supervisor of the award, emphasized that this initiative translates the Vision's objectives by stimulating institutional social work and measuring its positive educational impact on children. This recognition contributes to building a vibrant society that cherishes its values and appreciates its members, while also strengthening the position of women as essential partners in development. Locally, the award raises societal awareness of the mother's role, while nationally, it serves as a model for other regions to adopt similar initiatives that support the Saudi family unit.
Inspiring stories and precise standards
For her part, the winner, Umm Fahd, expressed her overwhelming joy, emphasizing that this recognition is a true act of kindness and an official acknowledgment of the immense responsibility borne by mothers of orphans, providing them with tremendous moral support to continue their journey of giving. Wadha Al-Anzi, who won first place in the personal track, recounted the details of her inspiring journey. Not winning the first time didn't deter her; instead, it motivated her to develop herself through courses and volunteer work, ultimately securing first place on her second attempt. She dedicated this victory to her children, whom she considered her true support and strength throughout her struggle.
Expansion and high competitiveness
The head of the judging panel, Ibtisam Al-Hamizi, explained that the second edition of the award witnessed fierce competition, reflecting the growing awareness among mothers. More than 4,300 women applied, and their applications underwent a rigorous review process, resulting in 81 finalists who met all the stringent criteria. She added that the award has expanded to include several categories, most notably education, health, maternal excellence, and social relationships, in addition to the newly introduced "Success Stories" category, designed to recognize inspiring experiences. Al-Hajri noted that this year's edition was distinguished by the participation of seven associations from various governorates in the region, including Al-Ahsa, Hafr Al-Batin, and Jubail, demonstrating the award's comprehensive reach and its ability to connect with every household in need of support and recognition.
