Reduce inequality within and among countries
10.1 EDUCATION & RESEARCH
Taking on social responsibility
The
KAUST Social Responsibility ( SR ) team was created in 2012 to utilize the unique range of talent and skills available at KAUST , in service of local communities . Its short , medium and long-term projects aim to promote the socio-economic development of neighboring communities through strong educational programs and learning opportunities . Yearly programs , projects and initiatives are closely tied to the needs and context of the neighboring town of Thuwal , with community integration as a major goal . The projects and initiatives created by the SR team aim to improve lives for individuals and groups from neighboring communities , as well as promote environmental awareness through education and action programs , both via schools and community associations .
Ongoing educational programs such as the Young Learners Development Program and the Thuwal Teachers Development Program are tailored to empower and support local youth and teachers .
Prosperity programs provide women and men with skills to enhance their value in the workplace , and create opportunities for personal and professional development , financial stability , and lifelong wellbeing . Causing such impacts helps KAUST to reduce local inequalities and to place education as a key to social development .
Giving exciting educational opportunities to small communities
Developed during 2021 and 2022 , the Science Summer camp is a recurrent initiative organized by the KAUST SR team .
The 2021 edition was a hybrid event that offered school students both online and face-to-face classes . Students from nearby local communities from intermediate ( G8-9 ) and high school ( G10-12 ) level were split into two mixed gender groups and had the chance to improve their English , and gain knowledge and skills on Python programming , data analytics and bioinformatics , including applied hands-on activities in real science laboratories .
The 5th KAUST Young Learner Summer Camp was held in 2022 where more than 50 girls and boys , from G10-12 , had the opportunity to connect and learn from KAUST scientists and graduate students while advancing their knowledge , communication abilities , and interpersonal skills . Young learners were offered two projects to choose from : “ Design Thinking ”, and “ The Future Of Food ”. The experience was further enhanced by enriching excursions to NEOM ’ s The Line exhibition at Jeddah ’ s Superdome and to the KAUST Museum .
All the activities aim to promote equal opportunities for young learners to be inspired by science and technology regardless of their socio-economic background .
Science Summer camp
Young Learner ' s Summer Camp 2022
24 | KAUST SDG HIGHLIGHT REPORT