Umm Al-Qura University is to establish the first scientific chair of its kind, which will be dedicated to orphan research in order to promote orphan care based on scientific foundations.

This was announced after the President of Umm Al-Qura University, Prof. Abdullah bin Omar Bafail, signed a contract today in his office to establish the Sheikh Abdul-Latif Al-Issa Chair for Orphan Research, with Sheikh Abdul-Latif Al-Issa representing Al-Issa Foundation. This took place in the presence of the UQU Vice President for Development and Entrepreneurship, Dr. Hani Ghazi, the UQU Vice President for Postgraduate Studies and Scientific Research, Prof. Abdul-Wahab Al-Resini, the Vice President for Educational Affairs, Dr. Abdulaziz Suruji, the Dean of the College of Community Service and Continuing Education, Prof. Khalid Barqawi, and the Vice Dean for Scientific Chairs, Dr. Abdul-Ilah Al-Ghamdi.

The Chair Professor, Dr. Khalid Barqawi, explained that the scientific chair was established to care for orphans in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, according to effective scientific bases. It will conduct research and studies and provide various scientific services in various fields for orphans, to promote methods of care on a scientific basis, in a way that achieves the healthy social upbringing and self-reliance of the orphans.

Dr. Barqawi explained that the main objective of the chair is to promote the field of orphan care through scientific research and practical training, and the development and implementation of effective programs in various areas and concerns of orphan care.

In addition, the chair aims at conducting scientific research to identify various aspects of orphan care, to deal with them using scientific methods for development. This is to solve problems related to orphan care, and develop the capacity of the workers in this field through the lectures and training courses offered by the chair. Another aim of the chair is to create programs to educate and train orphans and develop their skills in various fields, and also strengthen the partnership between Umm Al-Qura University and civil society institutions, to serve the community. This will contribute to sustainable development, and develop care programs provided by orphan shelters.

On his part, the president commended the establishment of the chair, which will benefit the university and the society. It comes as an extension of the scientific chairs established by the university, which have accomplished many achievements. His Excellency the President ended the meeting by praising the support and attention of the wise leadership, may Allah support them.