Jan 13, 2016
The Saudi Arabian Mining Company (Ma’aden) has formed a unique strategic partnership with the Al-Faisaliya Women’s Welfare Society to promote home businesses through training programs for women living in communities near its facilities.
During a recent signing ceremony to formalize the partnership and launch the program, Her Royal Highness Princess Fahda bint Saud bin Abdulaziz, from the Al Faisaliya Women’s Welfare Society was joined by Ma’aden President of Gold and Base Metals Yahia Al Shangiti.
The first initiative in this strategic partnership is called “Hand of Gold” and is aimed at supporting communities in the Mahd ad Dahab region, where Ma’aden operates a gold mine. Training programs will be delivered to 80 women in the community to assist them in developing self-employment opportunities. This initiative will help participants in establishing and marketing projects from their home based businesses.
Mr. Shangiti said “Ma’aden is dedicated to strengthening its role in community engagement and sustainable development. If this program is successful here in Mahd ad Dahab, Ma’aden and the Al Faisaliya Women’s Welfare Society will expand it to many more communities to support home businesses and self-employment in remote and semi remote areas across the Kingdom.”
Mr. Shangiti said that Ma’aden had undertaken a socio-economic survey in the region which identified the important role women can play in building community prosperity when they have access to skills training. This exceptional program is designed to have long term positive impacts on local families and help Ma’aden deliver on its promise to deliver sustainable development in the communities near its operations.
Khalid Al Mudaifer, President and CEO of Ma’aden originally announced the "Hand of Gold" program on January 6th during a visit of HRH Prince Faisal bin Salman bin Abdulaziz, Governor of Madinah, to the Mahd ad Dahab mine. Al Mudaifer said the program was further evidence of Ma’aden’s philosophy of prioritizing investment in people through innovative training and education programs.