Makkah: In a humanitarian scene repeated daily in the courtyards of the Grand Mosque and the Prophet's Mosque, boys and young men participating in public service camps move with determination and smiles as they push carts for the elderly and people with disabilities through the corridors and open courtyards of the two holy mosques. The scene reflects the spirit of generosity instilled in the Kingdom's youth and embodies the values of compassion and solidarity represented by volunteer work in its noblest form.
According to Saudi Press Agency, with the influx of pilgrims and visitors during the holy month of Ramadan, young volunteers are stationed at multiple locations within the courtyards and passageways leading to the two holy mosques. Aware of the magnitude and honor of their responsibility and service, they take the initiative to assist the elderly and those with limited mobility, pushing their carts calmly through the crowds and accompanying them to prayer areas, the tawaf area, or nearby medical centers when needed. It is a humanitarian journey that begins with a smile and often ends with a heartfelt prayer from a grateful heart.
Their role extends beyond merely pushing a cart; it becomes a complete act of care. The young volunteer holding the cart's handle quickly becomes like a devoted child, checking on the person they serve, asking about their destination, and ensuring their comfort and safety amid the crowds. This scene reflects the depth of values instilled by Saudi society in its youth and demonstrates that serving others is an essential part of the character of the young Saudi generation.
These efforts are part of the public service camps organized during Ramadan 1447 AH in Makkah and Madinah by the Saudi Arabian Scouts Association to serve Umrah performers, worshippers, and visitors. The initiative supports relevant authorities in delivering services to visitors of the two holy mosques while utilizing trained human resources, promoting volunteerism and national belonging, and highlighting the positive image of the Kingdom's youth in humanitarian service.
More than 1,100 boys, youth members, scout leaders, and female leaders participate in these camps, representing several scouting sectors, including the Technical and Vocational Training Corporation, various universities, and the ministries of human resources, sport, and education, within an integrated framework that unifies scouting efforts to serve pilgrims.
Their field efforts complement those of several concerned authorities by supporting the Special Forces for Hajj and Umrah Security and cooperating with security patrol leadership in the central areas of Makkah and Madinah, in addition to supporting the General Authority for the Care of the Affairs of the Grand Mosque and the Prophet's Mosque. These efforts help organize visitor movement and provide guidance and on-ground services.
These initiatives embody the integrated system of work adopted by the government of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in caring for pilgrims and visitors, mobilizing human and organizational resources to facilitate the performance of their rituals and worship with ease and reassurance. At every corner of the two holy mosques, a helping hand and a compassionate heart are extended to those in need.
As the cart moves slowly through the crowds, the young volunteer may not hear many words, yet he knows that sincere prayers are being offered for him. Serving a vulnerable or elderly person in the holiest places on earth is an honor beyond comparison-an enduring humanitarian message carried by the scouts generation after generation, leaving the courtyards of the two holy mosques as witnesses to small stories in appearance but profound in impact, defined by compassion and service to humanity.
