Saudi scouts' efforts during Hajj: Humanitarian scenes on the Day of Tarwiyah
The historical context of the Saudi scouts' efforts in Hajj
In a scene embodying the highest ideals of humanity and dedication, Saudi scouts a shining example in serving the pilgrims during the Day of Tarwiyah. More than 350 scouts and scout leaders from the Saudi Arabian Scouts Association were deployed to various hospitals and health centers in Mecca and the holy sites to provide support and assistance to medical staff and facilitate the pilgrims' medical journey.
This on-the-ground presence was not a spur-of-the-moment decision, but rather an extension of a long and distinguished history of volunteer work. The Saudi Scouts' participation in serving pilgrims began in the late 1970s (Hijri calendar), and has developed year after year to become a cornerstone of the national efforts to serve the guests of God. The association annually organizes public service camps that attract thousands of ambitious young people, aiming to instill values of giving and belonging, and to present a positive image of the Kingdom's youth to the world.
Scenes of compassion inside hospitals on the Day of Tarwiyah
As pilgrims flocked to spend the Day of Tarwiyah, scout teams were deployed from the early hours to seven hospitals and seven health centers under the supervision of the Ministry of Health. These young people carried a humanitarian message that went beyond mere organization and support, aiming to instill a sense of reassurance in the hearts of the pilgrims, especially the elderly, the sick, and those exhausted by the arduous journey and the crowds at the holy sites.
The scouts stood side by side with medical teams in emergency corridors and screening clinics, where their duties included:
- It is responsible for organizing the movement of patients within health facilities.
- Assisting healthcare teams in facilitating the entry and exit of emergency cases.
- Transporting visitors and patients between different clinics and departments using mobile carts.
Extended care from the hospital to the Mina camps
The scouts' efforts didn't stop at the hospital entrances; they extended to the post-treatment phase. The young scouts ensured that the recovering pilgrims were accompanied and safely transported to their accommodations and camps in Mina after their well-being was fully confirmed. This exceptional care for the elderly and people with disabilities, including promptly pushing their wheelchairs, was met with heartfelt prayers and deep gratitude from the pilgrims, reflecting the remarkable discipline and strong sense of responsibility demonstrated by the young scouts.
Local and international impact and keeping pace with Vision 2030
These volunteer efforts have a significant impact on several levels. Locally, they help alleviate the burden on medical staff and facilitate crowd management within healthcare facilities, thus improving the quality of services provided. Regionally and internationally, they reflect the civilized and humanitarian face of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and highlight its unwavering commitment to providing the utmost comfort and safety to millions of Muslims arriving from all corners of the globe.
As the pace of fieldwork intensifies on the Day of Tarwiyah, the Saudi Scouts demonstrate that scouting during Hajj represents a comprehensive humanitarian system that contributes to supporting government agencies. These initiatives reflect the honorable image of the nation's youth, inspired by the values of giving and belonging, and directly align with the goals of the Kingdom's Vision 2030 in strengthening and developing the volunteer sector.
