ARAMCO event in Dhahran highlights importance of Corporate Social Responsibility by Kingdom's leading companies

Speaking at the Social Responsibility Forum recently held in Dhahran, Faten A. Al Yafi, Senior Executive Director for Corporate Social Responsibility and Public Relations at The Savola Group, praised ARAMCO for its initiative in organizing the event that provided a platform for leading companies to highlight their commitment to be being good corporate citizens of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and giving back to the community by investing in social programs.

The forum was inaugurated by Mr. Abdul Aziz bin Fahad Al Khayyal, Senior Vice President of Industrial Relations at ARAMCO, who welcomed the forum's speakers and participants, and pointed out the important role of the private sector in developing social responsibility programs and initiatives which benefit many different segments of society.

Ms. Al Yafi participated in a panel discussion in which she shared with other national companies Savola's extensive experience  in successfully implementing CSR programs, giving as an example an overview of The Savola Group's MAKEEN Center for Empowering Persons with Disabilities

Through a visual presentation illustrating the Center and its activities, Ms. Al Yafi explained that the MAKEEN Center's success is based on three key elements: constantly searching for channels to attract candidates for the program; fully equipped training centers staffed by qualified trainers; and partnership agreements with companies that are willing and able to accommodate this special category of employees.

Going into detail, she described how the project included several developmental elements, including the adoption of the Accessibility program in all sectors of The Savola Group in accordance with the highest international standards; continuous training and educational seminars conducted by international experts; and precise follow-up procedures by the program's supervisors.

Ms. Al Yafi expressed her gratitude to Saudi ARAMCO saying: "Saudi ARAMCO is one of the most prominent of our national companies and a leader in the field of community service, with a long history in the development of sustainable programs targeted to serve the Kingdom and its citizens."

She went on to say: "Organizing forums such as this enhances the important role of social responsibility programs and provides a wonderful opportunity to exchange experiences and success stories. We at The Savola Group look forward for further communication and coordination with Saudi ARAMCO and other leading national companies."

Honoring The Savola Group for its participation in the forum, Mr. Abdul Aziz Al Khayyal praised the Group's experience in training and recruiting persons with disabilities, describing it as a perfect example that should be emulated by other companies because of its focus on an important segment of society that can make a valuable contribution the Kingdom's economic growth and development..

Mr. Nasser Al-Nafisi, General Manager, Public Affairs at Saudi Aramco, also praised The Savola Group's leading role and experience in the field of social responsibility and sustainable development, adding that he looks forward to future participation and exchange of experience between the two companies."  

The MAKEEN Center, one of The Savola Group's flagship social responsibility programs, aims to train and employ people with disabilities by providing specially developed courses that enable them to utilize their talents and develop their self esteem.

The Center then helps the trainees to find appropriate jobs that match their skills and place them with companies and institutes who share The Savola Group's interest in making it possible for people with disabilities to become productive, self-reliant and proud members of society.

MAKEEN came about after extensive research and field studies conducted by The Savola Group in consultation with a group of European experts, including research into the Kingdom's job market and the potential for finding suitable employment for jobs for people with disabilities.

The Savola Group's various CSR programs are part of its "Savola Bridges" initiative, which is upheld by a set of guiding principles founded on Savola's commitment to the Kingdom and Saudi society.