More than 2,200 students across 16 countries participate in first-ever global celebration sponsored by Training and Development.
Students sponsored through Aramco Training and Development (T&D) recently celebrated ‘Id around the world, with events for participants in the company’s Chapter 14 program sponsored on campuses in 16 countries.
A pair of Aramco-sponsored students in Perth, Australia, have their caricatures drawn as part of the 'Id al-Adha celebration conducted by Training and Development.
It was the first time Aramco organized ‘Id al-Adha celebrations for Chapter 14 participants around the world, covering more than 2,200 students attending 164 academic and nonacademic training institutes in Saudi Arabia and outside the Kingdom.
“Our ‘Id celebration was a chance for T&D to give our students studying abroad a little bit of home and familiarity and to provide something enjoyable for our in-Kingdom students.”
— Sami T. Al-Murshed, T&D general manager
“It also aligns well with the T&D Transformation Initiative’s focus on improving customer experience and strengthening engagement with Chapter 14 participants,” added Al-Murshed.
A group of Chapter 14 students in Sydney, Australia, pose for a photo during 'Id al-Adha activities. For the first time, Aramco's Training and Development sponsored events around the world for students studying abroad and in Kingdom.
The celebration capitalized on the satellite offices at Penn State University, Colorado School of Mines, University of Arizona, King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals, as well as T&D regional offices in London and Sydney. Celebrations were also extended to include universities with high populations, such as Curtin University in Perth.
Gifts, Ardah, and More
During the gatherings, participants had the opportunity to celebrate ‘Id with other colleagues and T&D team members; they were provided with giveaway gifts too. T&D has also sent ‘Id greeting cards along with gift vouchers to each participant.
A festive crowd of 'Id al-Adha celebrators in London take in the Ardah sword dance as part of festivities there.
In London, T&D extended the courtesy by offering a traditional feast along with the traditional national celebration of “Ardah” giving a warm feeling to the invitees as if they were home on this special day.
“Thank you, Aramco, for enhancing the student experience here at Penn State by inviting us into an ‘Id gathering,” said Alwaleed Al Turaif, a CDPNE participant who is studying at Pennsylvania State University.
“Here abroad, our family is Aramco,” said another CDPNE participant, Zenah Al Yaqoub who is studying at the University of Manchester in the U.K.
Chapter 14 students in Kingdom also were treated to celebrations for 'Id al-Adha, with plenty of food and gifts for participants.
Wail S. Abolkhair, Academic Programs and Partnerships director, said: “We were extremely gratified to be able to share the joy of ‘Id with our students both in and out of the Kingdom. This is just part of our efforts to make our students feel appreciated and included, which we believe will benefit their emotional well-being as well as their academic performance.”
— The Arabian Sun: July 25, 2022