SDG 10 in Saudi Arabia: Reduced Inequalities
Sustainable Development Goal 10 (SDG 10) focuses on reducing inequalities within and among countries by addressing issues such as income disparity, social exclusion, and the empowerment of underrepresented groups. In Saudi Arabia, achieving SDG 10 is central to Vision 2030, which emphasizes social inclusion, economic equality, and opportunities for all citizens, particularly marginalized and underrepresented groups.
Efforts by the Saudi Government to Achieve SDG 10
1.Economic Inclusion:
- The Citizen's Account Program provides financial support to low- and middle-income families, addressing income inequality and the economic impact of reforms.
- Initiatives to promote entrepreneurship and small business ownership empower economically disadvantaged individuals, particularly women and youth.
2.Gender Equality and Women's Empowerment:
- Legal reforms have been introduced to grant women more rights, such as freedom of movement, access to education, and workforce participation.
- Programs like Nitaqat incentivize companies to employ women, significantly increasing their economic participation.
3.Empowering People with Disabilities:
- The government launched the Qaderoon Program to support the integration of people with disabilities into the workforce.
- Accessible infrastructure, inclusive education, and financial assistance ensure that people with disabilities are empowered and included in society.
4.Support for Migrant Workers:
- Labor reforms, such as the Labor Reform Initiative (LRI), enhance the rights of expatriate workers, providing them with more mobility and protection from exploitation.
- Awareness campaigns educate workers about their rights under Saudi labor laws.
5.Social Inclusion of Youth:
- Initiatives like Hadaf and Tamheer provide training and employment opportunities to young Saudis, reducing unemployment and empowering the next generation.
- Digital transformation programs ensure that youth are equipped with the skills needed for the evolving job market.
6.Regional Development:
- Investments in rural areas ensure equitable access to education, healthcare, and economic opportunities for communities outside major cities.
- The government's focus on infrastructure development in less-developed regions fosters balanced regional growth.
7.Anti-Discrimination Policies:
- Saudi Arabia has enacted laws and regulations to combat all forms of discrimination based on gender, ethnicity, disability, or socioeconomic status.
- Awareness campaigns and training programs promote diversity and inclusion across public and private sectors.
SDG 10 at Imam Mohammad Ibn Saud Islamic University (IMSIU)
Imam Mohammad Ibn Saud Islamic University (IMSIU) contributes to reducing inequalities by fostering an inclusive academic environment, supporting underrepresented groups, and promoting equity in education and employment opportunities.
1.Inclusive Education:
- IMSIU provides scholarships and financial aid to students from economically disadvantaged backgrounds, ensuring access to quality education for all.
- Programs are designed to accommodate students with disabilities, including accessible facilities, specialized support services, and inclusive teaching practices.
2.Gender Equality on Campus:
- IMSIU promotes women's education and empowerment through dedicated campuses and academic programs for female students.
- Leadership opportunities and extracurricular activities encourage women to take on active roles within the university.
3.Support for People with Disabilities:
- The university offers resources and services, such as assistive technologies and specialized counseling, to support students with disabilities.
- Awareness campaigns and workshops emphasize the importance of inclusion and accessibility within the university community.
4.Youth Empowerment Initiatives:
- IMSIU organizes training programs, workshops, and job fairs to equip students with the skills needed to succeed in the workforce.
- Entrepreneurship and innovation centers provide support for student-led startups, enabling economic empowerment.
5.Cultural and Social Awareness:
- The university hosts events, seminars, and discussions on diversity, inclusion, and social justice, fostering a culture of respect and understanding.
- Islamic teachings on equality and social responsibility are integrated into academic programs, promoting a values-driven approach to reducing inequalities.
6.Community Outreach:
IMSIU engages with local communities to address social and economic disparities through education and awareness programs.
Partnerships with government agencies and NGOs support broader efforts to reduce inequalities at the regional and national levels.
Impact of IMSIU's Contributions to SDG 10
IMSIU plays a vital role in promoting equity and inclusion through its educational and community-oriented initiatives. By empowering underrepresented groups, supporting economic opportunities, and fostering a culture of inclusivity, the university aligns with national and global goals to reduce inequalities. These efforts not only benefit IMSIU's immediate community but also contribute to Saudi Arabia's broader progress toward achieving SDG 10 under Vision 2030.
Services of the Disability Center
https://units.imamu.edu.sa/deanships/sa/activities/PublishingImages/Pages/report_s2_2024/repot_s2_2024.pdf
- The center serves 14 colleges.
- Total types of disabilities served: 10.
- Number of male beneficiaries: 161.
- Number of female beneficiaries: 102.
- Total beneficiaries: 263.
Types of Disabilities Served by the Disability Services Center
On the occasion of the International White Cane Day.Student Affairs organizes the event"Our will is the vision of our lives".
https://imamu.edu.sa/news/Pages/news_15_10_2024_03.aspx
The Services Center for People with Disabilities of the Deanship of Student Affairs organized today, Tuesday, October 15, 2024, the event "Our Will... Insight into Our Life" coinciding with the International White Cane Day, in the lobby of the supporting deanships building in the university city.
The recipient, which was attended by the Vice Dean of Student Affairs for Student Programs and Activities, Dr. Abdullah Al-Asmari, along with the directors of the Deanship's departments, aims to introduce the characteristics and methods of the work of the white cane, and its importance for the blind that facilitates their movement, and to introduce the community to its duties towards the blind, spread awareness of their rights, provide assistance and support in case of need, and encourage the blind within social circles to use the white cane as a means of movement, and the event also discusses the social isolation to which they are exposed, where a group of volunteers from the blind How to use the electronic white cane, and specialized devices in Braille, and answers were asked to the inquiries and physical challenges faced by the blind.
These events stem from the Deanship's keenness to promote the rights of persons with disabilities and their integration into society, by presenting their talents and abilities, in addition to encouraging them to participate in events held at the university.
Memorandum of Cooperation between Imam University and the Association of People with Disabilities and Special Needs "Sharakah"
https://imamu.edu.sa/news/Pages/news_25_5_2023_3.aspx
Al-Imam Muhammad bin Saud Islamic University, represented by the Services Center for People with Disabilities at the Deanship of Student Affairs at the university, signed on Thursday morning, 1444/11/5 AH, a memorandum of cooperation with the Association of People with Disabilities and Special Needs "Sharakah".
The agreement was signed by the Dean of Student Affairs, Dr. Ahmed bin Saad Al-Ahmad, and the Executive Director of the Association, Mr. Bandar bin Ali Al-Harbi.
The agreement aims to build effective partnerships with community institutions inside and outside the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, to serve people with disabilities and special needs, achieve their full integration, and do everything that is in this regard to cooperation with prestigious institutions in various integrated fields, which serve them, through their own efforts, and through partners, through which the university provides training, vocational and rehabilitation programs for people with disabilities.
Coinciding with the International White Cane Day, the Services Center for People with Disabilities organized an event under the slogan "Our Will, the Insight of Our Life"
https://imamu.edu.sa/news/Pages/news_17_10_2023_01.aspx
The Services Center for People with Disabilities of the Vice Deanship of Student Affairs for Female Student Affairs organized an event under the slogan "Our Will, the Insight of Our Life", on Sunday morning, October 15, 2023, coinciding with the International White Cane Day.
The activation of this day stems from the Deanship of Student Affairs' keenness to achieve the Kingdom's Vision 2030, one of the most important axes of which is to promote the rights of persons with disabilities and their integration into society, by presenting their talents and abilities, teaching them to read and write in Braille, in addition to encouraging them to participate in events held at the university.
This event aims to, among other things, introduce students to the white cane, its characteristics and method of work, and its importance for the blind, as it makes it easier for them to walk without an escort, and the community's knowledge that its holder is blind and provide assistance in case of need, and a number of blind women presented their creativity in the use of specialized devices in Braille, in addition to introducing students to the tasks of the white cane, which is a symbol of the independence of the blind.
Imam University develops a system using artificial intelligence and augmented virtual reality techniques to improve the sense of perception and increase interaction for children with autism
https://imamu.edu.sa/news/Pages/news_31_5_2023.aspx
Autism is a neurodevelopmental disorder, the symptoms of which include difficulties in understanding and perception in addition to delays in social communication with others.
Therefore, a research team from the College of Computer and Information Sciences at Imam Muhammad bin Saud Islamic University, in cooperation with the Center for Autism Research at King Faisal Specialist Hospital, developed a smart system to improve the sense of perception and increase interaction and learning skills for children with autism, using artificial intelligence and augmented virtual reality techniques.
This achievement comes within the activation of the memorandum of cooperation with the Center for Autism Research at King Faisal Specialist Hospital and also to activate joint cooperation in the field of research and in interdisciplinary research, where the (Farad) system is developed by the students of the Department of Computer Science: Alia Al-Hamid, Nihal Al-Muwais, and Renad Al Hussein, under the supervision of Dr. Abeer Al-Nafjan, and in cooperation with the Center for Autism Research at King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Center, represented by His Excellency Dr. Hisham bin Muhammad Al-Dhalaan, Ms. Hana Saad Al-Arifi and Ms. Reem Fairouz Al-Abdulaziz.
The main idea of the Farad system is to take advantage of virtual reality technology for autistic children by using virtual reality glasses (VARJO) that support eye tracking technology and retinal analysis using artificial intelligence techniques. Due to the need to provide virtual environments for teaching autistic children and to save time and effort for therapists and autistic children, the (Farad) system was worked on by creating a virtual environment with different levels of difficulty to teach children geometric shapes, and its experience at the Autism Research Center to measure the effectiveness of the system in improving the sense of perception and increasing interaction and learning skills for children with autism.
As a result of this outstanding research collaboration, it has been accepted to publish a research paper documenting this collaboration entitled (Artificial Virtual Reality Simulation Design for Children on Autism Spectrum Disorder) which will be presented at the 20th International Conference on Modeling, Simulation & Visualization Methods to be held in Las Vegas, USA from July 24 to 27, 2023.
It is worth noting that a cooperation agreement was signed between the College of Computer and Information Sciences and the Autism Research Center at King Faisal Specialist Hospital under the patronage of His Excellency the President of the University, Prof. Dr. Ahmed bin Salem Al-Ameri, in the academic year 1443 AH / 2022 AD, where the College was represented by His Excellency the Dean of the College, Dr. Talal bin Saad Al-Balawi, and the Center was represented by His Excellency Dr. Hisham bin Muhammad Al-Dhalaan. The agreement included discussing aspects of cooperation between the college and the center in the joint use of research laboratories to evaluate the sensory integration of people with autism disorder, and the provision of vital data available at the human behavior laboratory at the center in order to enhance joint research with researchers and graduate students at the college.
The Center for People with Special Needs provides high-level services to serve students throughout the year and doubles the period of tests
https://imamu.edu.sa/news/Pages/news-14-8-1439-5.aspx
The Director of the Center for People with Special Needs in King Abdullah City for the Study of Female Students, Her Excellency Mrs. Amal bint Musaed Al-Muhya, spoke about the great pioneering role provided by Imam Muhammad Ibn Saud Islamic University since its establishment, where it was keen to serve the community in multiple fields and diverse forums, and from what the university provided in belief in its national, humanitarian and pioneering role in taking great care of people with special needs, including male and female students, employees and employees, stressing that the officials in this majestic scientific edifice are aware of the nobility of this work and the honor of doing it. Believing that this category will compete and compete with others in building the nation and its sophistication, they also instilled in the hearts of those who serve them the meanings of altruism, love of giving, dedication to helping them and not getting tired of helping them and that this work is one of the best offerings offered by a Muslim in his life and extends its blessing after his death.
She then mentioned that the management of the Center for People with Special Needs includes among its sides many units that provide many and diverse services to students based on sound foundations and scientific plans and proceed in logical methodological methods, believing in the importance of keeping pace with the global trend of development and quality in educational institutions and in line with the university's policy of working hard to achieve this in various fields, stressing that the quality of the educational outputs of this category is an inevitable duty that is necessary to achieve through the improvement of the chain of the educational system starting from the inputs of The system and through its operations and ending with its desired outputs and achieving the objectives where the center has adopted a unique educational and administrative policy that combines originality, quality and development according to theories of modern management science The center also provided many programs, training courses and various methodological and non-methodological activities as well as many consultations that develop the skills of students and raise their scientific and intellectual level, and has also made many participations and visits on various occasions and encouraged and supported many scientific research that will develop the work and design many of the Translated forms for the English language and various identification posters for the services provided to students in the center to organize the mechanism of work.
The Center for Special Needs for Female Students at Imam University includes specialized units whose work is integrated and whose members compete to provide everything that serves this category, including the Academic Advising Unit, the Psychological and Social Counseling Unit and the Learning Difficulties Unit.
The center also lists the names of students wishing to take the test in the committees of people with special needs, prints tables for blind women, prints braille and zooms for visually impaired women. Then address the Undersecretary for Educational Affairs to provide special halls for students with needs and distribute them in them according to the departments and provide seats in the number of students and writers, and demand the provision of monitors and writers during the period of the final semester exams, equip and prepare the committees to suit the students, provide comfortable seats and offices for students with motor disabilities in all committees, provide writers in Arabic and English for students who do not have accompaniments, conduct a dictation test for female writers, ensure the correctness of the writing and good calligraphy, and give students enough time to answer with Noting to the professors not to calculate the degree of spelling and good font for the student and the answer sheets for the affairs of the tests are delivered with the mention that the student was tested in the special needs committees so as not to be counted absent with the preservation of the receipt and delivery statements in special files.
Al-Muhya also stressed that the follower of the efforts of the Center for People with Special Needs sees a qualitative leap in the ways of providing the service based on quality, accuracy, speed and taking into account the privacy of the community and the target group, and this is thankfully what was stated in the certificates obtained by the Center and in the letters of thanks sent to it
This was also shown by the opinion polls carried out by the Center for the sample of the targets.
She concluded her speech by asking Almighty Allah to bless them with sincerity in words and deeds and to help them perform the secretariat, offering sincere thanks to our government, which seeks to harness all the potential of this dear category on our hearts and exert support and facilities for everything that contributes to their comfort and the development of services provided to them, and also thanked His Excellency Sheikh Prof. Dr. Sulaiman bin Abdullah Aba Al-Khail for his interest and care for this center and his follow-up to serve that category for which the center works.
Positive Change Course at the Center for Special Needs
https://units.imamu.edu.sa/deanships/sa/news/Pages/news38-154.aspx
The Deanship of Student Affairs, represented by the Deanship for Female Students Affairs under the supervision of the Center for Special Needs organized a course entitled Positive Change for Mrs. Nada Al-Sinan on Sunday, 19/7/1438 AH in Building 324, and this course comes within the plan of activities in the Center for People with Special Needs to develop the personal skills of the Center's students, and to change the negative thoughts of students with hearing disabilities. Building self-confidence and positive thinking, and how to deal with different personality styles.
International Day of Disabled Persons
https://imamu.edu.sa/news/Pages/news-16-3-1439-2.aspx
Under the patronage of Dr. Maha Al-Hadab, Undersecretary of the Deanship of Female Student Affairs, and under the supervision of the Department of Student Programs and Activities, and the Center for Services for People with Special Needs, the International Day of Persons with Special Needs event entitled "We will not leave anyone behind" was organized on Sunday, 15/3/1439 AH, corresponding to December 3, 2107, in Building (324-326).
The Deputy Deanship for Female Student Affairs, Dr. Maha Al-Hadab, said that the activation of this year's International Day of Persons with Special Needs under the slogan "Towards a sustainable and resilient society for all" is a confirmation of all the facilities provided by Imam University to its employees students with special needs. The University, represented by its Director and Leader, His Excellency Prof. Dr. Sheikh Sulaiman Aba Lakhil, seeks to achieve everything possible to achieve the vision of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia 2030 in raising awareness and support for people with special needs and understanding their issues, to achieve their integration into social and cultural life, and to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals to build a more inclusive and equitable world.
The College of Education celebrates the International Day of People with Special Needs
https://imamu.edu.sa/news/Pages/news-8-4-1441-3.aspx
On Tuesday, 6/4/1441H, corresponding to December 3, 2019, the Department of Special Education at the Panorama Building 425 in King Abdullah City for Female Students held an event in conjunction with the International Day of Persons with Special Needs, which falls on December 3 of each year, which has been dedicated by the United Nations since 1992 to support people with special needs, with the participation of the Vice Dean of the College of Education, Dr. Tahani Al-Jubeir, who delivered a speech on this occasion in which she pointed out the importance of activating the International Day of People with Special Needs. This day seeks to integrate them into all aspects of life and activate their participation in it, by providing them with educational and training opportunities. She considered that this day is a call to remember the people with special needs in our society and identify the environmental and social barriers that hinder them, and help everyone to work together to overcome those obstacles. She stressed that this day aims to increase understanding of disability issues and pay attention to the achievements and contributions of people with special needs.
The event included several pillars, each of which was dedicated to the definition of a particular disability, where one was allocated to the deaf and blind, another to adaptive behavior skills, a third to case study, a fourth to strategies for teaching intellectually disabled people, and a corner was allocated to communication disorders.
The International Day of Persons with Disabilities aims to increase understanding of disability issues and support friendly designs for all in order to guarantee the rights of people with special needs, in addition to raising awareness of the inclusion of people with disabilities in political, economic and cultural life.
In conclusion, Dr. Tahani Al-Jubeir extended her thanks and appreciation to the Department of Special Education and to all those organizing this event, which concerns a group dear to our hearts and important in society.
An integrative introductory meeting to serve students with special needs
https://units.imamu.edu.sa/deanships/sa/news/Pages/6--2-1439.aspx
The Deanship of Student Affairs, represented by the Deanship of Student Affairs, organized an open introductory meeting to serve students with special needs on Tuesday, 4/2/1439 AH in Building (323).
The meeting began by presenting initiatives that support the university's achievement of the requirements of the vision of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia 2030 towards people with special needs, and work to provide opportunities for them, provide facilities and encourage them to ensure their independence and integration as active elements in society.
This open meeting aims to build bridges of communication between the various departments in King Abdullah City for Female Students and the Center for People with Special Needs, develop the work and services provided to them, and respond to all inquiries and suggestions submitted by students.
A number of entities also participated in the meeting, namely (Deanship of Admission and Registration, Department of Student Rewards and Allowances, Deanship of the Center for the Study of Female Students represented by the Agency for Awareness and Control of Regulations, Department of Transport, and Department of Security and Safety), where the services provided by these bodies to students were introduced, listening to students, discussing the difficulties facing them and submitting the necessary proposals to the participating bodies to enhance academic and other services for students.
Holding the first trade fair for students with special needs
https://units.imamu.edu.sa/deanships/sa/news/Pages/news37-114.aspx
Believing in the importance of working to empower students with special needs and integrate them into the university community, the Center for Services for People with Special Needs (the first trade fair) for students with special needs was held on Wednesday, 13/7/1437 AH in Building 322 for the study of female students.
This exhibition included a number of corners such as old products, accessories, ornamental tools, two special corners for handicrafts made by students of this category, as well as food, in addition to the drawing corner in the dark, and the exhibition was hosted by the plastic artist: Noura Mejrashi - blind - where she excelled a lot in painting during the exhibition and through the display of her previous drawings.
The students participating in the exhibition expressed their great happiness at the heavy attendance at their exhibition.
"Let's be together to make them happy" Program Provided by the Deanship of Special Needs Services Center
https://units.imamu.edu.sa/deanships/sa/news/Pages/news36-100.aspx
The Deanship of Student Affairs, under the supervision of the Center for Special Needs "Female Students' Department", organized a field activity by the students of training in the Department of Sociology and Social Work "Division of Sociology" entitled: Let's be together to make them happy, on Tuesday 25/6/1436 AH, where the activity aims to introduce the various social welfare services provided at the Center for Special Needs, by distributing brochures to the students, A presentation of the latest technical devices and means of support provided to students by the Deanship, as well as the latest modern scientific inventions that serve all categories of people with special needs.
Proposal boxes have been set up to identify proposals and bright opinions that can be relied upon within the Centre.
Dean of Student Affairs Honors People with Special Needs
https://units.imamu.edu.sa/deanships/sa/news/Pages/news38-180.aspx
The Deanship of Student Affairs, represented by the Department of Special Needs, held a training course entitled Teaching the Basics of Braille to a number of students of the Center for People with Special Needs for the Blind in the Deanship.
The Dean of Student Affairs in the reception hall of the Deanship honored a number of students with special needs (blind + kinetic) for their participation and distinctive interaction in the course, asking the Almighty Allah for success, help and success.
He also thanked His Excellency the Minister for his sponsorship of the Center's programs and activities and his personal interest in this category dear to the hearts of all. The reception was attended by the Deanship Deans and a number of directors of departments.
Nutrition for people with special needs is a health program organized by the Vice Deanship of Female Student Affairs
https://units.imamu.edu.sa/deanships/sa/news/Pages/news38-25.aspx
The Deanship of Student Affairs, represented by the Vice Deanship of Student Affairs, under the supervision of the Department of Student Activities and Clubs, organized the health program entitled "Nutrition for People with Special Needs" in Building (322) on Wednesday, 8/3/1438 AH.
The program aims to educate students to increase their awareness in feeding those who suffer from a disability in the body or disability in a certain part of their body, and what they may find difficult to get enough food and know the elements of food necessary to build a healthy body, due to their inability to feed themselves in a correct and proper way.
This program comes within the plan of programs and activities that serve the community, and serve the category of people with special needs dear to our hearts.
The Special Needs Services Center receives a delegation from Al-Noor Institute
https://units.imamu.edu.sa/deanships/sa/news/Pages/news37-86.aspx
A delegation from the Noor Institute for the Blind visited the Special Needs Services Center on Tuesday, 13/6/1437 AH and was received by the delegation - numbering (27) - the Director of the Center for Services for People with Special Needs, Ms. Amal bint Musaed Al-Muhya, and a program was held on this occasion, starting with verses from the wise male followed by the student: Tahani Baiti and then the Arabic poetry paragraph presented by the student: Magic Mukhtarsh.
After that, the Head of the Academic Affairs Unit at the Center, Ms. Hind bint Abdul Karim bin Zeid, gave a speech in which she welcomed the guests and gave a comprehensive definition of the services provided by the Center to the students, followed by the presentation of honorable models for the attendance of students with special needs who challenged their special circumstances to tell the stories of struggle and success: Ohood Baiti, Fatima Al-Qahtani and Mona Al-Shaibani, which received great interaction by the students.
After that, the student: Sarah Al-Enezi presented an interactive paragraph in which she received the questions of blind students about the extent of their adaptation in the university community and the most prominent difficulties she faced and at the end of the program a number of officials at the center accompanied the students on an exploratory tour of the university facilities.
The Center for Services for People with Special Needs at the University participates in the Second Saudi International Exhibition for the Supplies of Persons with Disabilities "Diaa" 2015
Under the patronage of His Royal Highness Prince Faisal bin Bandar bin Abdulaziz, Governor of Riyadh Province, His Excellency the Undersecretary of the Emirate of Riyadh inaugurated the Second Saudi International Exhibition for the Supplies of Persons with Disabilities (Diaa 2015) in which participants provide services and supplies provided to people with disabilities in the Kingdom, and many government and private entities participate in the exhibition to display what is provided to this dear category of services and auxiliary devices, The exhibition is held from 8-10/8/1436 AH at the Riyadh International Convention and Exhibition Center, and Imam Muhammad Ibn Saud Islamic University participates in the exhibition represented by the Deanship of Student Affairs (Center for Services for People with Special Needs), to review the services provided to people with special needs at the university, highlight the achievements and participations of students with special needs and display the efforts made to serve them.
The opening of the university pavilion was attended by His Excellency the Director of the Center for Services for People with Special Needs, Mr. Abdul Wahid bin Abdullah Al-Hadithi, and presented a copy of the report of the work and achievements of the Center for the year 1435 AH to His Excellency the Vice President of the Emirate of Riyadh on behalf of the Rector.
Students with special needs participate in activities to celebrate the 86th National Day
https://units.imamu.edu.sa/deanships/sa/news/Pages/news37-150.aspx
The Center for Services for Special Needs for Female Students held a special event on the occasion of the anniversary of the National Day on the eighty-sixth National Day of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia on Monday, 2/1/1438 AH at the Center for the Study of Female Students (Building 324).
Students with special needs expressed their sincere feelings on this occasion in their own way, and the event was also well received and interacted with by the students present.
Special Needs Services Center holds an introductory day to coincide with World Polio Day
https://imamu.edu.sa/news/Pages/news-16-2-1440-1.aspx
The Special Needs Services Center held an introductory day on polio under the slogan (To overturn paralysis) on Wednesday, 15/2/1440 AH in Panorama Building 321, which coincides with the internationally approved date of this day, which is October 24 of each year.
Polio is one of the oldest diseases that have afflicted man since ancient times; it is a disease that invades the nervous system, and is capable of causing complete paralysis within hours of time, and the virus enters the human body through the mouth and multiplies in the intestines, and the initial symptoms of the disease are fever, fatigue, headache, vomiting, stiffness of the neck and pain in the limbs, and one out of 200 cases leads to paralysis that is not cured of it (usually in the legs), and 5% is thrown into 10% of people with paralysis die when their respiratory muscles stop functioning.
It is worth mentioning that the induction day targets children from the age of 5 years and under, parents of children and society in general, medical workers, and decision makers in health organizations, and awareness medals about the disease have been distributed.
The Rector receives the Dean of Student Affairs and employees of people with special needs
https://imamu.edu.sa/news/Pages/news-16-8-1439-5.aspx
His Excellency the Rector of Imam Muhammad Ibn Saud Islamic University, a member of the Council of Senior Scholars, Sheikh Prof. Dr. Sulaiman bin Abdullah Aba Al-Khail, received in his office on Tuesday morning 15/8/1439H, Dean of Student Affairs, Dr. Khalid Al-Abdan, employees of people with special needs, and beneficiaries.
H.E. Dr. Aba Al-Khail welcomed Dr. Al-Abdan and his brothers and sons from the employees of Imam University with special needs from students and beneficiaries of this important center, which provides diverse and different services, and provides all the means, ways, methods and ways that make them do everything they want, hope and seek to achieve from learning and teaching, and benefit and increase with their colleagues in the colleges, units and institutes of the university with ease and ease, through the successful management of the center, and the efforts of those in charge of it.
His Excellency pointed out that this dear category to us is an integral part of the university employees, but they are at the forefront in everything that is offered to them at various levels, and the diversity of their specializations, because Allah the Almighty and His Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) ordered us to do so, they are in our hearts, they take into account and support everything they need, which facilitates their tasks, work, movements and all their affairs.
His Excellency added that what the University is doing in relation to this category dear to all of us is under the guidance and blessing of our rulers, headed by the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz, and his faithful Crown Prince His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz, Crown Prince, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defense, who always and never look at you with a look of appreciation, respect and pride, and even the one who laid the foundations of everything that is presented to this category and laid its lines. The petition, and his support materially and morally, the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques - the keepers of God - and still does, and seeks everything that is specific to you and other sons of this country; so that you can be a loyal generation honest and sincere, serve your religion and your country, and achieve the aspirations of your rulers, and then His Highness the Crown Prince - may Allah protect him - led, did and created that vision with great goals, and the deep message, the vision of the Kingdom 2030, which includes what belongs to you, and is concerned with all your affairs, and therefore we find the institutions of our blessed state, especially Imam Muhammad bin Ibn Al-Awsat Saud Islamic works as much as you can through various efforts and different actions for your convenience.
For his part, the Dean of Student Affairs, Dr. Khalid Al-Abdan, said that this year is witnessing the inauguration of a new and distinct phase, God willing, of the work of the Center for Services for People with Special Needs, to keep pace with the vision of the Kingdom 2030, and this is a meeting that will delight the employees of the Center, and your children who benefit from its services, which seeks to be a pioneer in the service of students with special needs. His mission is to employ all available human and material potential to meet students' special needs in university education, and to offer specialized programs in care, rehabilitation and public awareness.
He added that the goal of the center is that disability is not a barrier that hinders the individual from completing his education and achieving his goals, and explained that the center was established in 1429 AH under the guidance and support of His Excellency the Rector, and the center began to provide support and support mainly to people with visual disabilities, and then expanded services to include other categories such as: motor disability, disability and hearing impairment, and a plan is now being prepared to expand the services provided to include all categories of educationable disability.
Dr. Al-Abdan stressed that the Center seeks to translate what is stated in the Kingdom's Vision 2030 regarding persons with disabilities and their right to education and work into a reality touched by all categories of disabilities in society.
Special Needs Services Center Participates in World Disability Day
Based on the role of the Deanship of Student Affairs - Center for Services for People with Special Needs to carry out the work entrusted to it and to achieve its objectives, the Center for Services for People with Special Needs participated and activated the International Day of Disability on 3/12/2014.
The Center conducted an introductory campaign on disability where this day aims to increase understanding of disability issues and support friendly designs for all in order to ensure the rights of people with special needs.
The campaign also aimed to raise awareness of disability and the best ways to deal with it, and in this way it contributes to the integration of the disabled into society and provides them with an independent and stable life.
The Center has introduced students to the types of disabilities, explained them, introduced the rights of the disabled and what he has and what he has in our societies, and reviewed some of the obstacles and how to overcome them.
The Center for Services for People with Special Needs for Female Students activates the Psychological Counseling Unit
https://units.imamu.edu.sa/deanships/sa/news/Pages/news37-64.aspx
The Psychological Counseling Unit of the Center for Services for Female Students held an introductory program about the unit on Tuesday, 7/5/1437 AH.The program included a review of the services of the unit and its role in addressing the psychological and social aspect of students with special needs and touching the areas of psychological need; to support and enhance it positively and to play an integrated role with the rest of the services of the Center for People with Special Needs in order to create an appropriate academic, social and psychological atmosphere.
The Special Needs Services Center holds a panel discussion entitled "Foreseeing the Future of Special Needs Services"
https://units.imamu.edu.sa/deanships/sa/news/Pages/news37-89.aspx
On Thursday, 15/6/1437H, the Center for Services for People with Special Needs held a panel discussion entitled (Foreseeing the Future of the Center for Services for People with Special Needs) in order to discuss and discuss the development plans of the Center and seek to enhance the positives in the work of the Center and discuss ways to treat the negatives to avoid them in the future.
The first part of the seminar was discussed with the students benefiting from the center, where they showed a number of visuals, some aspirations and a number of obstacles facing them, whether in terms of facilities at the university or in relation to academic aspects, where they were promised to take into account all that was put forward in mind, whether it was through working on it through the upcoming development plans of the center or by communicating their voices to the responsible authorities at the university.
In the second part of the workshop, the development and future plans were discussed and a number of observations and visuals were expressed by the participants, where a group of the center's employees were selected, as follows: Head of the Academic Advising Unit, Ms. Hind Al-Zayed, Assistant Ms. Walaa Al-Bader, Academic Supervisor Ms. Reem Al-Dosari, Public Relations and Media Officer Ms. Amal Al-Shahrani, and Supervisor of Psychological and Social Counseling, Ms. Noura Al-Khayal To convey their views in all units of the Center, the panel discussion was moderated by the Director of the Center, Ms. Amal bint Musaed Al-Muhayya.
Key Targets of SDG 10
Imam Muhammad ibn Saud Islamic University has contributed to income growth for targeted groups through a range of programs and initiatives that help individuals enhance their academic and skill capabilities, thereby increasing their chances of securing well-paying jobs. Below are examples of how the university has helped promote income growth:
1.Scholarships and Financial Support Programs
Imam Muhammad ibn Saud Islamic University offers a range of scholarships that cover tuition fees either fully or partially, targeting students from low-income backgrounds who may face difficulties affording education. These programs provide students with the opportunity to obtain academic qualifications that enhance their job prospects and subsequently increase their income.
The university's scholarships cover various categories, including those offered to the children of martyrs, as well as government scholarships for international students, which are divided into two types: internal scholarships for non-Saudis residing legally in the Kingdom, and external scholarships for international students from outside the Kingdom. The university also has several initiatives to support the education of individuals in need, such as accepting students whose residency permits have expired, as well as accepting Syrian and Yemeni students who have entered the country on visit visas. Additionally, the university exempts the children of families benefiting from social security, as well as citizens from low-income families and individuals with disabilities, from paying tuition fees.
2.Continuous Education and Skills Development Programs
Imam Muhammad ibn Saud Islamic University is committed to promoting inclusivity and diversity through the implementation of programs and initiatives aimed at attracting students and faculty from underrepresented groups. The university works towards this goal by organizing various events and training programs that focus on improving the skills of targeted groups and preparing them for the job market, thereby enhancing their employment opportunities and participation in the academic environment.
Among these initiatives, the university organized a Professional Skills Certification Exhibition that highlights the importance of acquiring practical and professional skills for students, with a focus on groups that may need to strengthen their competitive chances. The university also emphasizes empowering its graduates by offering preparatory courses designed to prepare them for entering the job market, particularly focusing on underrepresented groups.
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Additionally, the university provides ongoing support for graduates through its Career Guidance Center and communication with graduates of Imam Muhammad ibn Saud Islamic University, which has achieved many notable accomplishments that reflect its positive impact on graduates. For instance, the center has organized more than 20 specialized training courses in professional skills development, with over 500 graduates participating. It has also held around 15 workshops related to job search skills, attended by more than 300 graduates, which has contributed to enhancing their knowledge of effective job application strategies. Furthermore, three annual job fairs were organized in collaboration with various companies, helping to employ 150 graduates in diverse fields. Additionally, the center provided 1,000 individual consultations for graduates regarding their career paths, assisting them in defining their goals and planning for their professional future. These figures reflect the ongoing efforts made by the Career Guidance Center in supporting and improving graduates' opportunitiesin the job market.
Through these programs and initiatives, Imam Muhammad ibn Saud Islamic University reaffirms its commitment to promoting diversity and inclusivity in the educational environment and working towards achieving equal opportunities for all, including underrepresented groups, which helps build a diverse academic community capable of facing the changing challenges of the job market.
3.Policies, programs, training courses related to diversity, equity, inclusion, and human rights.
Imam Mohammad Ibn Saud Islamic University, through its Deanship of Student Affairs, strives to promote values of justice, equality, and the rejection of all forms of discrimination and racism. This is achieved through sustainable policies, procedures, and effective programs that contribute to providing an inclusive and supportive university environment for all students, regardless of their backgrounds and diverse needs. The university's continuous and ongoing efforts are carried out through specialized units and departments under the deanship, including:
1. The Student Behavior and Discipline Awareness Unit:
This unit continuously works to raise awareness among students about the importance of positive behavior, academic, and social discipline. Through its ongoing programs and initiatives, it aims to instill values of mutual respect and reject all forms of discrimination and racism.
2. The Psychological and Social Counseling Unit (Care):
The unit provides sustainable psychological and social support to students through counseling sessions that help them overcome psychological and social challenges. It also contributes to building an inclusive and supportive environment that considers the diverse individual needs of students, thereby continuously enhancing justice and equality within the university.
3. The Disability Services Center:
The center aims to provide continuous support and services to students with disabilities, ensuring they have equal opportunities in education and active participation in university activities. This includes offering academic accommodations and sustainably adapting programs and activities to meet their specific needs.
4. The Student Rewards and Allowances Administration:
This administration ensures the fair and transparent distribution of rewards and allowances on a continuous basis, contributing to the enhancement of equality among students and supporting them in meeting their financial needs, especially those most in need.
5. The Programs and Activities Administration:
This administration oversees the organization of diverse programs and events aimed at fostering values of cooperation, understanding, and equality among students. It encourages sustainable collective participation in activities that contribute to creating an inclusive university environment.
6. The Events and Conferences Administration:
The administration organizes regular conferences and events that host specialists and speakers to discuss social and cultural issues, thereby fostering continuous awareness of the importance of justice and equality, and promoting concepts of understanding and respect for diversity within the university community.
Through these continuous and integrated efforts, Imam Mohammad Ibn Saud Islamic University contributes to building a sustainable, inclusive educational community that supports all students and promotes values of justice and equality. This aligns with international standards that encourage policies and procedures supporting the most vulnerable groups, thereby achieving a balanced and fair university environment.
Governmental Regulations and Systems for Employee Rights and Salary Determination
Imam Mohammad Ibn Saud Islamic University is committed to adhering to the governmental regulations issued by the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development in Saudi Arabia, ensuring a safe and fair work environment for all employees. These regulations include:
1.Saudi Labor Law:
This law protects employee rights regarding salaries, job benefits, and leaves, with a strong emphasis on equality among employees in the workplace without discrimination based on gender, race, or social status.
2.Civil Service System:
The system relies on a unified salary scale that determines salaries and benefits based on objective criteria such as qualifications and experience, ensuring fair distribution. Promotions and bonuses are based on competence and performance without discrimination, promoting equal opportunities. The system also emphasizes equal pay between genders, ensuring that all employees receive the same salary for equivalent positions, supporting women's empowerment. Additionally, it offers fair and transparent allowances and benefits, enforced through strict oversight, allowing employees to file complaints to safeguard their rights.
3.Article 61 of the Saudi Labor Law:
This article guarantees non-discrimination in wages and benefits between male and female employees, stressing that salaries should be determined based on the employee's qualifications and experience rather than their gender.
4.Anti-Harassment Law:
This law in Saudi Arabia provides a legal framework to combat all forms of harassment, ensuring a safe and respectful work environment. It enforces strict measures against harassment, helping to create a workplace where all employees feel safe and respected. Imam Mohammad Ibn Saud Islamic University is committed to strictly implementing this law to prevent harassment, raise awareness, and support affected employees, fostering a culture of dignity and mutual respect.
Role of The General Administration of Human Resources at Imam Mohammad Ibn Saud Islamic University
The General Administration of Human Resources at the university plays a crucial role in promoting principles of justice and equality within the workplace through various departments, permanent committees, and units that work integrally to achieve this goal, including:
- Permanent Committee for Reviewing Requests to Attend Conferences, Seminars, and Scientific Meetings: This committee reviews employees' requests to attend academic conferences and seminars, applying fair and transparent standards that ensure equal opportunities for all. Requests are evaluated based on academic relevance and professional benefit, without regard to the applicant's gender or background, promoting fairness in providing opportunities for professional and academic development.
- Permanent Committee for Examining Performance Grievances: This committee is a fundamental part of the HR structure, ensuring fairness and transparency in evaluating employee performance. It handles grievances submitted by employees regarding their evaluations, conducting comprehensive and fair reviews, which enhances the credibility of the evaluation system and ensures that employees receive their due rights.
- Human Resources Planning Unit: This unit plays a strategic role in achieving equality by planning the workforce to ensure the fair distribution of human resources and developing plans for recruiting and promoting suitable talents. It also focuses on developing long-term strategies that enhance an inclusive and sustainable work environment, supporting the university's goals of achieving justice and equality and ensuring the continuity of talent development in a stable work environment.
- Scholarship Management: This department is essential in empowering employees to develop their academic and professional skills through scholarship programs. It adheres to clear and transparent criteria for selecting scholarship candidates, ensuring that opportunities are granted based on academic competence and research capabilities, rather than gender or background, providing equal opportunities for employees wishing to pursue higher education abroad, and thus enhancing the sustainable development of academic and professional skills.
4. The Role of Imam Mohammad Ibn Saud Islamic University in Supporting and Empowering People with Disabilities
Imam Mohammad Ibn Saud Islamic University plays a prominent role in supporting and empowering people with disabilities by providing a comprehensive range of services aimed at achieving sustainability and inclusiveness within the educational environment. Starting with the Center for Disability Services under the Deanship of Student Affairs, the university addresses their academic and social needs, offering scholarships and providing financial support to assist them throughout their educational journey.
The university also provides designated parking spaces, restrooms, electronic doors and elevators for people with disabilities to ensure their comfort and ease of movement within the campus. Additionally, psychological and counseling services are offered, especially during exam periods, to ensure they receive the necessary support for academic success.
The Deanship of Student Affairs contributes to integrating this group within the university community by organizing various training courses and events that enhance their participation and engagement. Notable examples include the university's recent celebration of the International White Cane Day to raise awareness and support individuals with visual impairments. The Deanship also arranges visits and trips for people with disabilities, such as their journey to Makkah for Umrah, which was fully sponsored by the university, and a visit to the King Abdulaziz Center for National Dialogue to learn about the supportive environment for dialogue among different members of society, both male and female.
Additionally, the university organized the International Day of Persons with Disabilities under the theme "United in Achieving the Sustainable Development Goals for Persons with Disabilities," reflecting its commitment to inclusivity and social justice.
The university also features sports clubs dedicated to people with disabilities, providing them the opportunity to engage in physical activities and sports, thus enhancing their physical and mental well-being.
All these efforts underscore the university's commitment to the principles of social justice and sustainability, by creating an inclusive educational environment that fosters the independence and empowerment of people with disabilities, helping them to build their future effectively.
