The Reality of Community Partnership between Community Institutions and Charities - Economic Empowerment Initiative

(The Red Sea International Company nursery is an example)

Abstract

This study aimed to investigate the reality of community partnerships between societal institutions and charitable associations by conducting a field study of a quadrilateral partnership involving “Sakan” Association for Family Development, Tabuk University, Red Sea International Company, and Umluj’s Municipality, operating under the banner of the "Economic Empowerment Initiative". In order to accomplish the study's objectives, the researcher followed a descriptive-analytical methodology, employing two data collection tools: a quantitative questionnaire and qualitative interviews. The former was administered to a sample of 45 young individuals who constituted the study's community, beneficiaries of the Horticulture Diploma offered by Tabuk University in collaboration with  “Sakan” Association for Family Development. And intervews were administered to a sample of 10 employees and participants in the initiative.

The study found that the majority of the sample participants agreed on the success of the initiative, its expected continuity in the coming years, and its role as a starting point for larger, sustainable developmental projects and initiatives. The initiative was found to provide financial, social, and psychological stability for individuals and their families. The study recommended further research and studies to document successful experiences of similar initiatives and to establish additional initiatives between “Sakan” Association for Family Development and other institutions to achieve various societal goals. It also suggested examining community opinions regarding the effectiveness of initiatives and partnerships between charitable associations and societal institutions.