SDG1: NO POVERTY

Updated 30/10/2025

SDG1Majmaah University and SDG 1: No Poverty (2018–2023)

Introduction and Context

Sustainable Development Goal 1 (SDG 1) – No Poverty – calls for an end to poverty in all its forms worldwide. Majmaah University, in alignment with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 and national anti-poverty initiatives, has embraced this goal over the past five academic years. The Kingdom’s Vision 2030 emphasizes economic diversification, job creation, and quality of life improvements as means to reduce poverty mu.edu.sa mu.edu.sa. In this context, Majmaah University has developed programs and policies both on campus and in the broader community to support low-income students and vulnerable groups. This report (covering academic years 2018/19 through 2022/23) details the university’s efforts in poverty alleviation, including student financial aid, support services, community outreach, partnerships, and academic contributions.

Scholarships and Financial Aid for Students

One of the primary ways Majmaah University combats poverty is by ensuring that financial barriers do not prevent students from accessing and completing higher education. The university provides extensive scholarships and financial assistance to support students from low-income backgrounds mu.edu.sa. Key elements include:

• Tuition-Free Education and Stipends: All Saudi students at public universities receive tuition-free education. Additionally, in line with national policy, many undergraduate students receive government-funded monthly stipends (“rewards”) to help cover living expenses, which eases financial pressure and encourages enrollment mu.edu.sa mu.edu.sa. This support ensures basic needs are met so that students can focus on their studies.

• Scholarships for International Students: Majmaah University participates in Saudi Arabia’s scholarship programs for non-Saudi students. It offers both internal scholarships (for foreign students residing in the Kingdom) and external scholarships (for those from abroad) mu.edu.sa. Many of these are fully funded scholarships covering tuition, housing, health care, and even stipends, thereby attracting talented students who might otherwise not afford university mu.edu.sa. This not only spreads educational opportunity but also contributes to human capital development in less advantaged communities abroad.

• Student Fund – Grants and Loans: Through the Deanship of Student Affairs, the university operates a Student Fund dedicated to supporting students in financial need. The Student Fund provides non-repayable grants (financial aid) as well as interest-free student loans to cover education-related expenses mu.edu.sa mu.edu.sa. These emergency aid programs ensure that students facing hardship (e.g. inability to pay for books, transportation, or personal emergencies) can obtain assistance. According to the fund’s stated mission, its goal is to achieve “psychological, academic, social, and financial stability” for the students it serves mu.edu.sa mu.edu.sa. Dozens of students benefit each year from this safety net, preventing dropouts due to financial distress.

• Digital Financial Services: In 2019, Majmaah University digitalized the aid application process – a step toward equitable access. The Student Fund launched an online service for students to apply for loans and grants via the academic portal mu.edu.sa. This shift to e-services (with clear information on eligibility and conditions) has made it easier and faster for students to request financial help mu.edu.sa. It reflects the university’s commitment to removing procedural hurdles for aid and is part of a broader digital transformation to better serve students mu.edu.sa.

• Partner-Supported Financing: Majmaah University has also forged partnerships to expand financial options for students. Notably, an agreement with Alinma Bank in 2020 enables university students (especially in graduate or diploma programs) to use the bank’s Education Financing service to pay tuition and fees in installments alinma.com. Under this no-interest, no-fee plan, the bank pays the student’s university fees (tuition, housing, transportation) upfront, and the student repays in manageable monthly installments without any added charges alinma.com alinma.com. This innovative financing option helps mitigate the financial burden on students and families, ensuring that those who cannot pay large sums at once are still able to pursue higher degrees. It exemplifies how the university leverages private-sector partnerships to promote affordability in education.

Through the combination of government support, institutional scholarships, emergency aid, and banking partnerships, Majmaah University has built a robust framework to ensure no student is denied education due to poverty. These measures directly align with SDG 1 by lifting the economic barriers to higher education, thereby enabling social mobility and better job prospects for graduates mu.edu.sa mu.edu.sa.

Support Services for Low-Income Students

Beyond direct financial aid, Majmaah University provides a range of support services to create an inclusive, accessible learning environment for economically disadvantaged students. These services address practical needs like food, shelter, transportation, and personal welfare:

• On-Campus Housing: For students coming from remote areas or abroad, the university offers affordable (often free) on-campus accommodation. The Female Student Housing Unit, for example, serves foreign and out-of-town female students, ensuring a “safe, comfortable and healthy” living space so they can dedicate time to study mu.edu.sa mu.edu.sa. The housing units coordinate with campus services to provide cafeterias with suitable meals and on-site health care, and they arrange transportation for residents to and from academic buildings mu.edu.sa. By providing dormitories and related services, Majmaah University reduces students’ living expenses and logistical challenges – a critical support for those who cannot afford private housing in the city.

• Free Transportation: Recognizing that travel costs can be a barrier, the university runs a free bus transport initiative for its students. In recent years, Majmaah University has continued to expand this program, operating shuttle buses from various towns, villages, and neighborhoods in the region to the university campuses at no charge mu.edu.sa. As of the 2024 academic year, these buses follow approved routes covering multiple provinces and small communities to pick up and drop off students daily mu.edu.sa. Providing free transportation ensures that students from low-income families (who may not have a personal car or public transport options) can attend classes regularly without incurring additional costs. It also enhances safety and convenience, particularly for female students traveling from distant areas.

• Subsidized Meals and Necessities: The university’s Nutrition Department oversees dining services to guarantee that students have access to affordable, healthy meals on campus mu.edu.sa. While all students benefit from low-cost cafeterias, this is especially important for those on tight budgets. In addition, campus facilities such as photocopy centers and bookstores offer services at reduced prices (as noted by the Student Affairs Unit) to help students save on textbooks and study materials mu.edu.sa mu.edu.sa. These cost-reducing measures – cheap meal plans, discounted books and printing – contribute to lowering the overall cost of attendance for financially strapped students.

• Emergency Assistance and Counseling: Majmaah University also tends to the personal well-being of students through its support units. The Student Guidance and Counseling Center provides advice and mentorship, including for students facing financial stress or personal hardship. In cases of acute need, the Student Fund can rapidly disburse one-time financial assistance (قطوعات إعانة) to cover emergencies such as medical bills or sudden family difficulties mu.edu.sa. Furthermore, the university’s policies ensure students with special needs or disabilities receive necessary support (equipment, access, stipends), preventing any additional financial burden on those students mu.edu.sa mu.edu.sa. By integrating counseling and special support, the university creates a safety net that addresses poverty-related challenges holistically – from monetary aid to psychological and academic support.

• Student Employment Opportunities: To empower students financially, the university facilitates part-time work opportunities on campus. Students can work as library assistants, research interns, or in administrative roles for a few hours per week, earning an income while gaining experience. (For example, Saudi universities including Majmaah allow students to work up to 10 hours weekly, with clear regulations to balance work and study jfees.journals.ekb.eg.) This not only provides extra income for those who need it, but also instills valuable job skills. Many students have benefited from such programs to support themselves without compromising academics.

Collectively, these support services ensure that once enrolled, students from low-income backgrounds have the resources and environment to thrive. Free transport, affordable housing and food, emergency aid, and paid work experience all contribute to lowering students’ cost of living and improving retention and success rates among economically disadvantaged groups. This comprehensive approach reflects Majmaah University’s commitment to “securing all the needs of the university student” as part of its mission mu.edu.sa mu.edu.sa.

Community Outreach and Poverty Alleviation Initiatives

Majmaah University’s impact on poverty extends beyond its campus through numerous community outreach programs and student volunteering efforts. Over the past five years, the university (often via its Deanship of Community Service and its student clubs) has launched initiatives targeting poverty reduction and social upliftment in the local and regional community:

• Skills Training in Underserved Areas: One flagship initiative is the Mobile Community Training Bus, a roving educational unit that delivers free training workshops in digital skills, literacy, and vocational education to residents of rural villages. The “community e-learning bus” travels to remote parts of Majmaah and surrounding governorates to host summer training courses for youth and adults mu.edu.sa mu.edu.sa. By bringing computing equipment and instructors directly to marginalized communities, this program empowers individuals with new skills that can improve their employment prospects and income. Hundreds of community members have benefited from courses ranging from basic IT and English language to entrepreneurial skills, directly contributing to poverty alleviation at the grassroots level.

• Volunteer-led Aid Drives: Majmaah University’s student clubs play a vibrant role in charitable outreach. For instance, the Student Volunteer Club and the Scout (Rover) Club jointly organize an annual winter clothing drive. In the 2022/23 academic year, they held a campaign to provide winter garments to low-paid workers in the university and community mu.edu.sa mu.edu.sa. Student volunteers collected and distributed warm clothes (jackets, hats, socks, blankets, etc.) to dozens of custodial and maintenance workers, many of whom have limited income mu.edu.sa. The president of the Volunteer Club noted that this initiative “helps those in need and reinforces social responsibility and solidarity among students” mu.edu.sa. Such volunteer programs not only fulfill immediate needs (clothing, food baskets, Ramadan iftar meals, etc.) for underprivileged groups, but also nurture a culture of compassion and civic engagement among students.

• Community Service Projects: Through the University’s Social Responsibility Observatory and Community Service Deanship, various targeted projects have been implemented. Examples include a “Safe Family” initiative to educate families on financial planning and social support, and premarital training workshops for young couples in partnership with charitable foundations mu.edu.sa mu.edu.sa. Another notable project is support for productive families: Majmaah University encourages and sometimes partners with local NGOs to help low-income families start micro-enterprises. University leadership has actively participated in regional events promoting productive family businesses – for example, the University President attended the annual ceremony of a business association under the patronage of the Riyadh Governor, where programs were announced to create 10,000 jobs and provide interest-free loans to 180 young entrepreneurs (totaling over 11 million SAR) mu.edu.sa mu.edu.sa. At that event, he affirmed the university’s support for transforming needy families “from recipients of aid to owners of productive projects” in line with Vision 2030 mu.edu.sa mu.edu.sa. Majmaah University often provides its expertise, venues, or student volunteers to such community development initiatives that generate income and employment for the poor.

• Outreach Clinics and Health Services: In collaboration with local health authorities and charities, the university’s medical and nursing colleges regularly conduct free medical camps in low-income communities. These health outreach programs (e.g. mobile clinics or screening drives) ensure vulnerable populations receive basic healthcare and advice without cost, mitigating the poverty-ill health cycle. Additionally, during the COVID-19 pandemic, the university supported disadvantaged students and community members with necessary resources (such as internet access for remote learning and awareness campaigns on health precautions), though these efforts were largely part of the national emergency response.

• Cultural and Social Inclusion Events: The university has organized or sponsored events aimed at social inclusion of marginalized groups. For example, students have volunteered at orphan care centers and elderly homes in the region, spending time and donating gifts, which, while not financial aid, addresses another facet of poverty – social isolation. Likewise, charity drives on campus have collected donations for local charitable societies (e.g. food supplies for needy families, used computers for students at public schools). Each year, especially during Ramadan and the winter season, multiple such campaigns are run, reinforcing the university’s role as a hub for community solidarity.

Through these off-campus programs, Majmaah University actively contributes to poverty reduction and community development in Al-Majma’ah Governorate and neighboring areas. The impact is two-fold: immediate relief for those in need (through donations and services) and long-term empowerment (through education, training, and economic development projects). These outreach efforts also fulfill the university’s social responsibility mandate and strengthen town-gown relationships. Notably, the university’s collaborations with local charities ensure aid is delivered in forms including food, shelter, and educational tools to underprivileged community members mu.edu.sa mu.edu.sa. All of this aligns with SDG 1 by fostering an environment where the community at large can progress out of poverty with support from the university.

Partnerships with Government, NGOs, and Industry

Majmaah University recognizes that tackling poverty is a collaborative endeavor. Over the last five years, it has established partnerships with government agencies, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), and private sector entities to amplify its poverty-alleviation impact:

• Memoranda of Understanding with Charitable Foundations: The university has signed several MoUs with major charitable organizations to launch joint social programs. In early 2024, for example, Majmaah University (through its Social Responsibility Observatory) signed an MoU with the Ibrahim Al-Sultan Charity Foundation to cooperate on education and community service initiatives mu.edu.sa. Under this partnership, the foundation will implement health and training programs benefiting both students and local citizens – including free medical services (like a knee replacement program for low-income patients), training students for professional certification exams, and offering pre-marriage counseling workshops for young people in the community mu.edu.sa mu.edu.sa. The university, in turn, supports the foundation’s efforts by involving its faculty and students, providing research expertise, and recognizing student volunteers with awards mu.edu.sa. This collaborative model leverages the foundation’s resources and the university’s academic strengths to address community needs in health and education.

• Collaboration with Princess Al-Anoud Foundation: In 2023, Majmaah University signed an agreement with the Princess Al-Anood Philanthropic Foundation to cooperate in research, education, and community development fields mu.edu.sa. While details of that agreement are in Arabic, its focus is on joint initiatives for social development and capacity-building in the region. Such partnerships allow the university to extend its outreach (through foundation-funded programs like entrepreneurship training for youth or support for orphans) and to involve students in real-world projects that reduce poverty and social exclusion.

• Engagement with Government Programs: The university aligns its activities with national anti-poverty programs run by government bodies. For instance, Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development runs social security and welfare programs (e.g. the Citizens Account cash assistance) that some students’ families benefit from mu.edu.sa. Majmaah University often acts as a bridge by raising awareness about these government programs among students and the local community. Additionally, the university’s leadership participates in governmental forums and committees on social development. The presence of the Minister of Education as patron of the January 2024 SDGs conference at Majmaah (see next section) underscores the government’s support for the university’s sustainability and poverty-related initiatives unitar.org. Locally, the university works with municipal authorities and the governor’s office on community service campaigns (for example, coordinating volunteer clean-up drives in low-income neighborhoods and identifying families in need of assistance). These public-sector partnerships ensure that the university’s efforts complement and enhance official poverty reduction policies.

• Private Sector CSR Partnerships: Majmaah University has tapped into corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives of businesses. The earlier example of Alinma Bank’s tuition installment plan is one such case alinma.com. Likewise, the university has engaged companies like solutions by STC (a telecom company) in agreements to train and empower youth with digital skills, which improves employability in the community m.mu.edu.sa. Another partnership is with NEOM and Al Rajhi Bank, which co-sponsored the 2024 SDG conference unitar.org – demonstrating cross-sectoral commitment to sustainable development goals including poverty alleviation. By collaborating with industry, the university secures additional resources (funding, technology, expertise) to support initiatives such as job fairs for unemployed youth, incubators for student startups, and internships for students from disadvantaged backgrounds.

Overall, these partnerships greatly extend the reach and effectiveness of Majmaah University’s poverty-focused programs. They allow for resource pooling, innovative financing solutions, and broad-based projects that a single institution might not achieve alone. Moreover, working closely with charities and government agencies ensures that aid is targeted to those most in need and aligns with larger development plans. Majmaah University’s role in these collaborations exemplifies SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals) in service of SDG 1, creating a network of support for poverty reduction.

Academic Contributions and Advocacy

As an academic institution, Majmaah University also contributes to the fight against poverty through research, education, and public awareness. In the past five years, the university has increasingly integrated SDG 1 into its academic and extracurricular agenda:

• Research on Poverty and Social Issues: University faculty and students have conducted studies related to poverty, economic development, and social welfare. For example, researchers in the College of Business have examined the impact of entrepreneurship on local unemployment, and sociology researchers have studied the effectiveness of social aid programs in the region. The university encourages such research by providing internal grants and establishing research chairs on community-related issues. Findings are often shared with policymakers at conferences or through reports, thereby informing better strategies to aid low-income populations mu.edu.sa. While specific publications are too numerous to list, this body of research aligns with the university’s strategy to be a knowledge hub for regional development.

• Curriculum and Training: Issues of poverty and social responsibility have been woven into the curriculum wherever relevant. Courses in economics, social sciences, and Islamic studies address concepts of poverty alleviation, sustainable development, and charitable practices. In addition, the university’s CIFAL Saudi centre (affiliated with UNITAR) has hosted training workshops on sustainability for students and staff, covering topics such as social aspects of sustainability, poverty eradication, and inclusive development m.mu.edu.sa unitar.org. These educational efforts equip graduates with awareness and skills to continue addressing poverty in their careers and communities.

• Conferences and Seminars: A highlight in this period was the “Universities and the Sustainable Development Goals 2030: Targets and Practices” conference held on campus in January 2024, co-organized by Majmaah University and CIFAL Saudi Arabia under the patronage of the Minister of Education unitar.org. This high-profile event brought together global experts, university leaders, and organizations (including Times Higher Education) to discuss how higher education can drive sustainable development and poverty eradication unitar.org unitar.org. Over two days, sessions focused on themes such as inclusive economic growth, quality education for all, and the integration of Vision 2030 with the UN SDGs unitar.org unitar.org. The conference underscored the “transformative potential of higher education in driving poverty eradication, inclusive employment, and equitable growth” on a global stage (as described by UNITAR). By hosting and leading this conversation, Majmaah University positioned itself at the forefront of academic advocacy for SDG 1. The knowledge exchanged has since inspired further local initiatives and strengthened the university’s resolve to embed sustainability in its operations.

• Student Engagement and SDG Awareness: The establishment of student clubs such as the Sustainable Development Club and Investment Club provides platforms for students to learn and act on issues like poverty and inequality mu.edu.sa mu.edu.sa. These clubs organize seminars, competitions (e.g. ideas for social entrepreneurship), and community volunteer days focused on SDG themes. For instance, the Sustainable Development Club marked International Day for the Eradication of Poverty on campus with an awareness exhibit and invited talks, educating the university community on global poverty facts and how youth can help. Such activities cultivate a sense of social responsibility in students. Majmaah University also incentivizes engagement through a University Award for Community Service, which in recent editions recognized projects that had significant impact on low-income communities mu.edu.sa mu.edu.sa. This academic culture ensures that the conversation about poverty – its causes, consequences, and solutions – remains active within the university.

In summary, Majmaah University’s scholarly and advocacy efforts complement its direct support programs. By generating research, fostering dialogue, and instilling knowledge about poverty alleviation, the university contributes to long-term, evidence-based progress on SDG 1. These efforts help shape graduates who are not only academically skilled but also socially conscious and prepared to be agents of change in reducing poverty.

Conclusion and Ongoing Commitment

Over the past five academic years, Majmaah University has demonstrated a strong and multifaceted commitment to SDG 1: No Poverty. Within the university, it has reduced financial barriers through scholarships, stipends, and student support services – ensuring inclusive access to education and success for students from all economic backgrounds. In the surrounding community, it has actively engaged in poverty alleviation through volunteerism, training programs, charitable partnerships, and research-informed initiatives that empower individuals and improve livelihoods. These efforts are backed by institutional policies and values that prioritize social responsibility and align with national development goalsmu.edu.sa mu.edu.sa.

As a result, Majmaah University has become a catalyst for positive change: many of its graduates are first-generation college students whose higher education (made possible by financial aid) will lift their families out of poverty. Simultaneously, community members have gained skills, resources, and support that open pathways out of poverty, thanks to university outreach. The university’s impact is thus both immediate and generational.

Looking ahead, Majmaah University remains committed to sustaining and scaling these efforts. The university plans to:

• Continue increasing the number and value of scholarships and emergency grants for students in need, and improve targeting to reach all eligible cases mu.edu.sa.

• Expand community training programs (such as the mobile training bus) to cover more villages and diversify the skills taught, in partnership with government employment programs.

• Strengthen data collection on student socio-economic status and program outcomes, to better assess impact and continuously improve services.

• Leverage its CIFAL center and global networks to bring international best practices in poverty reduction to the campus and community.

• Encourage more student-led social innovation projects that propose creative solutions to poverty and reward them through funding or incubation support.

By integrating these plans into its strategic framework, Majmaah University ensures that “no poverty” is not just an aspirational slogan but a guiding principle for action. The university’s comprehensive approach – spanning financial aid, student services, community engagement, partnerships, and knowledge dissemination – exemplifies what a higher education institution can do to address SDG 1. Majmaah University’s experience over 2018–2023 can serve as a model for other universities aiming to make a tangible difference in eradicating poverty, proving that education and community commitment together are powerful forces for achieving a more equitable and prosperous society mu.edu.sa.