Quality of Life Program continues urban transformation in Saudi Arabia

RIYADH: The Saudi Esports Federation, through the Gamers Without Borders tournament — the largest virtual charity event for gaming and esports — in collaboration with Saudi aid agency KSrelief, donated over $1.7 million to UNICEF’s office in Burkina Faso.

The grant aims to provide formal and non-formal education to more than 27,800 children, 50 percent of whom are girls, in areas affected by insecurity.

John Agbor, UNICEF representative in Burkina Faso, said: “Thanks to the generous contribution of KSrelief and Saudi Esports Federation, thousands of children will benefit from formal and non-formal education, vocational training and radio-based learning.”

The funds will support preschool education for 4,500 children, formal and non-formal education for 16,700 children, and technical innovations for 6,600 children in the Central-North, North, East, Sahel, and Boucle du Mouhoun regions.

As of December 2024, the humanitarian situation in Burkina Faso remains difficult, with over 2 million displaced due to conflict.

Despite the government’s efforts to reopen more than 1,500 schools, over 5,000 remain closed, affecting 20 percent of the country’s educational institutions.

In one year, primary school enrollment rates in Burkina Faso dropped from 85.8 percent in 2022 to 77.4 percent in 2023.

With KSrelief and the Saudi Esports Federation’s support, UNICEF has launched several initiatives, including building and equipping 27 classrooms, creating more than 100 accelerated learning centers for out-of-school children, and planning vocational training for 500 boys and girls.

Other initiatives aim to reach 6,000 children through emergency classrooms and 600 children via remote learning with tablets, as well as increase radio-based learning and provide school supplies for vulnerable children.

DHAHRAN: A vibrant celebration of Japanese culture including tea ceremonies, sushi workshops, and manga drawing classes will be held in Dhahran from Jan. 23 to Feb. 8 as part of the “Japan Cultural Days” event hosted by the King Abdulaziz Center for World Culture, or Ithra.

Organizers say that the event highlights the deep-rooted friendship and cultural exchange between Saudi Arabia and Japan as the two nations mark 70 years of diplomatic relations this year.

“The ‘Japan Cultural Days’ are an important part of Ithra’s wider mission to make a tangible and positive impact on human development by offering local audiences meaningful opportunities for cultural exchange,” Noura Al-Zamil, Ithra’s Head of Programs, said in a statement.

Visitors can expect to be immersed in a wide variety of activities that showcase the richness of Japanese tradition and innovation.

Offerings such as the Japanese House Experience, which introduces the art of the tea ceremony, and the creation of wagashi (Japanese sweets), will emphasize the themes of mindfulness and harmony that are central to Japanese culture.

For those with a passion for cinema, a ticketed selection of Japanese films will be screened, spanning both classic and modern works, from heartfelt dramas to vibrant animations.

Workshops will be a key element of the 17-day celebration, providing plentiful opportunities to engage with Japanese traditions.

Visitors can learn about the intricacies of creating and decorating masks and making traditional-inspired Japanese fans and postcards.

Additionally, participants can learn about the centuries-old practice of cultivating miniature trees, combining art and nature.

There is also a sushi-making workshop, in addition to one centered on kintsugi, where participants can learn how to repair broken pottery with lacquer dusted with powdered gold.

There will be workshops dedicated to manga writing and drawing, a calligraphy class and sessions dedicated to origami, the art of folding paper into shapes.

Participants will be able to solve riddles and visit thematic stations at the Cultural Quest section, deepening their understanding of Japanese customs and traditions in a fun and interactive way.

A kimono exhibition will offer spectators the chance to view traditional Japanese garments and learn about their cultural significance.

The event will also host a classic car exhibit, showcasing iconic Japanese automobiles and their impact on the automotive world.

The event will feature a series of captivating performances that highlight the dynamism of Japanese arts.

Among these is the Kingdom’s debut of the much-anticipated Drum Tao performance, blending traditional taiko drumming with flute and harp melodies and contemporary choreography.

Lush Gardens will also offer a Japanese bazaar experience and a flower arranging station, as well as eight live outdoor shows.

These include a traditional kabuki theater production and a live kendama performance, led by Tokyo 2022 Olympics opening performer Waaonwagi and Guinness Record winner Ito Yusuke.

Young visitors will not be left out. The Children’s Museum will offer numerous hands-on workshops and storytelling sessions designed for youngsters that will bring Japanese folklore to life.

For more details and the full schedule of events, visit Ithra’s official website or their social media channels.