Jeddah-based Al Mathaaq Hospitality has launched a corporate social responsibility (CSR) programme in partnership with Ektefaa, a charitable organisation, with the aim of developing the employability skills of the Saudi Arabian youth.

The programme, which was launched this Ramadan, runs till mid-October at each of the company’s six restaurants, Aseil, Kalila, Square Meater, Pan Jan, Semsom and Margherita.

Throughout Ramadan, the company contributed SR5 ($1.3) from each purchase of an Iftar set menu and is now sharing SR2 ($0.5)from purchases of selected items from each of its six restaurants in Jeddah. The total amount will be entrusted to Ektefaa, who will commence a pre-planned training programme with selected individuals, eventually leading them to earn a job in the hospitality field with Al Mathaaq.

Dr Youssef El Habbal, CEO of Al Mathaaq Hospitality, said: “As a Saudi company, we have a responsibility towards our community by investing in the social fabric and supporting the Saudi youth’s education, training and employment, providing them a greater chance towards a more prosperous future.”

Al Mathaaq’s education and Saudi youth employment CSR programme aims at educating and training the Saudi youth to enhance their opportunities in finding suitable jobs, wherein they contribute to become productive members of the community. Ektefaa has planned and developed a training programme that will allow selected individuals to easily enter the field of hospitality and kick-start their future careers.

“The current CSR programme we have implemented focuses on a fundamental issue within our youth society, where education and training are vital for young Saudis on the hunt for jobs. Our collaboration with Ektefaa, along with the training program they have developed, concentrates on benefiting the youth and creating a pool of Saudi talent which will add value to the world of hospitality,” El Habbal said. – TradeArabia News Service