The COVID-19 pandemic has brought unprecedented challenges to the global community.  But challenges lead to innovation and KAUST Social Responsibility worked to provide its local and digital communities with adapted projects and useful communications.

Communicating with our Digital Communities

The production of four short films, shared with our digital communities via email and social media channels.

Two of the films are specifically informational, sharing protective guidance advice in support of the Ministry of Health's campaign, Everybody is Responsible.   

The other two films offer empathy and encourage solidarity, to remain united in the common purpose of protecting ourselves against COVID-19.

Ongoing Projects and Practical Support for our Local Communities

In March, as the COVID-19 pandemic continued to develop, KAUST Social Responsibility wanted to ensure the community of our host town, Thuwal, had an understanding of COVID-19 personal protective measures, in support of the Ministry of Health’s media campaign, Everybody is Responsible.

Social Responsibility has a long-standing, robust relationship with Thuwal community leaders, through working with the schools, the Albir Society Charitable Association and the Community Center.  We spoke with them to ascertain where the practical support was needed.

Retailers, restaurants and banks wanted to help their customers understand and observe social distancing so on 7-8 April, 600 highly visible floor guidance stickers were delivered and installed in 49 venues, together with anti-bacterial gel for all points of sale.

Social Responsibility co-ordinated training delivered by KAUST Health & Safety to our signage delivery and installation partners, SMSA; and online Red Crescent training and certification in infection control for Thuwal volunteers.  COVID-19 advice leaflets were delivered to 450 dwellings during Sharing is Caring.

The annual Sharing is Caring campaign is an opportunity for the KAUST community to prepare meaningful gifts and messages of celebration for its neighbors in Thuwal in celebration of Ramadan.  Restrictions to protect against COVID-19 meant that preparation this year was without the valued input of the KAUST community, but, with support from our partners in Thuwal - the Albir Society, SMSA and specially trained and certified volunteers - over 1100 boxes of healthy food items were delivered.  Click here for the full story

The 2019-20 Capacity Building Program (CBP) for Thuwal young professionals began in October 2019 with English Language Training, followed by Computer Information Technology certification (CIT), in January 2020.  When lockdown restrictions were implemented in the Kingdom in March, the students switched remote learning, remaining on target to complete their training in June.

Our Young Learners Development Program (YLDP) is a rolling series of initiatives and projects designed to help the next generation of students reach their full potential by developing skills in STEM, English, digital literacy, soft skills and environmental awareness.  English Language Training courses have been delivered online to Grade 12 students  in a virtual Planning is continuing for upcoming projects, including the YLDP Summer School, and Environment Program for the 2020-21 school year, with contingency plans in case the situation still requires remote learning. 

  

KAUST Social Responsibility is dedicated to advancing the KAUST mission of being a good neighbor and responsible citizen, and ensuring that intellectual and social capital is used to sustainably improve quality of life in our neighboring communities.

May 16, 2020