In a humanitarian gesture reflecting the spirit of giving and solidarity during the holy month of Ramadan, Umm Al-Qura University in Mecca organized a unique volunteer initiative called "Kal-Ghaith" (Like Rain), which aimed to distribute 900 complete Iftar meals to needy families in the holy city. This initiative was launched in cooperation with the "Where Humanity Is" group, serving as a life-giving rain to quench the families' needs and reinforce the values of social responsibility and human compassion.
Background of the initiative in its Ramadan and community context
Charitable work in Saudi Arabia, particularly in Mecca, takes on a special dimension during Ramadan. This holy month is not only a time for fasting and worship, but also a season in which the highest ideals of solidarity and compassion are manifested. Initiatives like "Kalghaith" continue a historical legacy deeply rooted in Islamic and Saudi culture, where providing iftar meals for those fasting and extending a helping hand to those in need are considered among the greatest acts of devotion. The role of leading educational institutions like Umm Al-Qura University in adopting these initiatives reflects the evolving concept of corporate social responsibility, moving beyond a purely academic role to becoming an active partner in sustainable community development.
The importance of the initiative and its expected impact
The impact of the “Kalghith” initiative extends far beyond simply providing 900 breakfast meals. Locally, it alleviates the financial burden on underprivileged families in Mecca, bringing joy and happiness to their hearts and strengthening bonds of affection and love within the community. Nationally, this initiative aligns directly with the goals of Saudi Vision 2030, which aims to increase the number of volunteers and boost the contribution of the non-profit sector to the GDP. The participation of 900 university volunteers in this endeavor instills in them a culture of volunteerism and hones their organizational and community skills, preparing them to be influential leaders in the future.
Implementation details and work mechanisms
The initiative was launched under the supervision of the University's Vice President for Business Development and Community Partnership, Professor Dr. Warda Al-Asmari, who emphasized the University's commitment to providing high-quality services that address the needs of the Makkah community. The University's Volunteer Work Department directly oversaw all stages of the initiative, from preparing and packaging meals according to the highest standards of quality and food safety, to the organized distribution process. The initiative witnessed remarkable collaboration among volunteers who handled the preparation and packaging tasks before transporting the meals via dedicated buses to pre-determined distribution points in the neighborhoods of the Holy City, ensuring their timely delivery to those in need before sunset.
A proactive step towards empowering volunteer work
This initiative is part of Umm Al-Qura University's strategy to empower volunteer work and increase the number of volunteer hours for its students, in line with the Kingdom's vision. The event was not limited to relief efforts alone; it concluded with an enriching tour for participants of the university's cultural center, aiming to connect fieldwork with the intellectual and cultural depth that this prestigious academic institution embodies. This integrated vision, combining material support with intellectual enrichment, ensures a lasting impact that extends beyond the initiative's immediate timeframe.
