حكايات لاتعرف المستحيل | Princess Nouf bint Abdulrahman | TEDxKAU

Key Concepts

• العطاء (Giving): The central theme, encompassing financial donations, time, knowledge, and emotional support.
• الأشخاص ذوي الإعاقة (People with Disabilities): The primary beneficiary group of the speaker's charitable work.
• الوقف (Endowment/Charitable Foundation): A sustainable form of giving, highlighted through various examples.
• الجمعيات الخيرية (Charitable Organizations): Organizations that serve the community and specific groups within it.
• التطوع (Volunteering): Contributing time and effort to a cause without expecting payment.
• تطبيق تبيان (Tibyan Application): An application that provides an accessible interpretation of the Quran in sign language.
• المسؤولية المجتمعية (Social Responsibility): The idea that individuals and organizations have a duty to act in the best interests of society.

Summary

Introduction

Nouf bint Abdulrahman Al Saud, President of the "Liajlehom" Association for serving people with disabilities, shares her personal journey and motivation for dedicating her life to charitable work, particularly for individuals with disabilities. She emphasizes that her passion for giving stems from her upbringing and the profound impact of a specific encounter.

Early Influences: The Legacy of Her Mother

Nouf attributes her passion for giving to her mother, who, despite being uneducated, was a skilled social worker. Her mother instilled in her the importance of helping those in need from a young age.

• عشاء الوالدين (Parents' Supper): A Ramadan tradition where families prepare meals for needy families as a tribute to their parents. Nouf participated in this from the age of five.
• Her mother took her to visit homes of widows, orphans, and the elderly, teaching her about their circumstances and the importance of remembering them.
• Nouf's mother's dedication to helping others was evident in the overwhelming number of people who mourned her passing, highlighting the impact of her generosity.

The Turning Point: A Girl's Plea

A pivotal moment occurred when Nouf encountered a 15-16 year old girl with a disability in a mainstreaming school.

• The girl expressed her desire to learn to read and write, revealing that she was "tired of men" (طفشت من الرجاجيل) due to being married off three times by her father, despite her young age and disability.
• This encounter served as a wake-up call for Nouf, prompting her to dedicate her life to serving people with disabilities.
• She discussed this with her husband, Abu Badr, and together they decided to focus on charitable work as their legacy.

Liajlehom Association: Serving People with Disabilities

Nouf established the "Liajlehom" Association six years ago, which has achieved remarkable results.

• She is known as "Um Al-Ashkhas Thawi Al-I'aqa" (Mother of People with Disabilities).
• She advocates for the rights of people with disabilities and has successfully navigated bureaucratic obstacles to secure their needs.
• She emphasizes that her dedication to this cause is unwavering, and she prioritizes their needs above all else.

Case Study: Badr Al-Sharari and the Horse Stable

Nouf shares the story of Badr Al-Sharari, a visually impaired man, to illustrate the impact of simple acts of support.

• A horse stable offered a 70% discount to people with disabilities.
• Nouf organized an event to thank and promote the stable.
• Badr, who had never seen a horse, was initially afraid but, with Nouf's encouragement, overcame his fear and learned to ride.
• Badr went on to compete in equestrian events with sighted individuals and won.
• This story highlights how a small act of support can empower individuals with disabilities to achieve great things.

"Ma'an Namshi" Initiative: Walking Together

Nouf describes the "Ma'an Namshi" (Together We Walk) initiative, a community walking program.

• Started by female student volunteers from King Saud University in 2021.
• Every Wednesday evening, people with and without disabilities walk together.
• The initiative promotes social interaction, knowledge sharing, and inclusion.
• It has brought people out of isolation and improved their quality of life.
• Even in cold weather, participants eagerly anticipate the weekly walk.

Tibyan Application: Quran in Sign Language

Nouf discusses the "Tibyan" application, which provides an accessible interpretation of the Quran in sign language.

• The project faced challenges due to previous failed attempts.
• With support from the General Authority for Endowments, they built upon previous efforts.
• The application has received international recognition and requests for translation into other languages.
• It addresses the need for accessible religious education for deaf individuals, whose literacy levels may be limited.
• The application has won several awards, including the King Faisal Prize for Service to Islam and Muslims.

The Rewards of Giving

Nouf emphasizes the personal fulfillment and inner peace derived from giving.

• Despite criticism from some who question her dedication, she finds immense satisfaction in helping others.
• Her children have embraced her passion and share her love for serving people with disabilities.
• She encourages others to experience the joy of giving through various means, including time, words, and acts of kindness.

Call to Action

Nouf urges the audience, especially young people, to embrace social responsibility and contribute to their communities.

• She highlights the importance of volunteering, offering knowledge, and supporting charitable organizations.
• She emphasizes that charitable organizations are community assets and serve specific needs.
• She expresses confidence in the ability of young people to make a difference and create positive change.
• She hopes that they will become future leaders and continue the legacy of giving.

Conclusion

Nouf concludes by expressing her gratitude and hoping that her message has been inspiring. She encourages everyone to experience the transformative power of giving and contribute to building a better society.