SDG 1: NO POVERTY

SDG 1: NO POVERTY

Al Maarefa University (also known as “Knowledge University”) is dedicated to supporting Sustainable Development Goal 1: No Poverty, recognizing that poverty alleviation is essential for access to basic needs like education and health. As part of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 and the UN SDGs, the university has taken significant steps to reduce poverty through targeted initiatives and community programssdg.um.edu.sa. This report outlines the university’s comprehensive approach – from student financial support and scholarships to community partnerships, research, fair employment policies, and strategic leadership – in its effort to “end poverty in all its forms everywhere.”

Support for Low-Income Students

Al Maarefa University implements various programs to ensure students from low-income families can enroll and succeed without financial barriers. These university-level initiatives address daily needs and reduce the cost of attendance for disadvantaged students [1]:

Subsidized Meals

The university contracts with third-party providers to offer meals at low prices on campus, ensuring affordable food options for students [1]. For example, the Mazay Almaarefa discount program gives students and staff reduced prices at campus cafés and partner restaurants, helping those on tight budgets afford daily meals [1].

Transportation Discounts

Al Maarefa has agreements with transportation companies (e.g. Qawafal Alrushd, and ride-share services Uber and Careem) to provide special discounted fares for students [1]. This makes commuting to campus more affordable and prevents travel costs from hindering class attendance.

Legal and Counseling Support

The university retains Alnadhir Law Firm to offer free legal assistance to university staff and students in need (including low-income students) [1]. Additionally, the Student Guidance and Counseling Center provides individualized counseling and mentorship to help students overcome social or financial challenges that might impact their studies [2] [1]. These services ensure that personal hardships – legal or psychological – do not derail a student’s education.

Entrepreneurial Assistance

To economically empower students, Al Maarefa offers start-up support – the university will purchase services from student-run small businesses as a form of financial assistance to help them launch their ventures [1]. By acting as an initial client for student entrepreneurs, the university injects income into student businesses, fostering self-reliance and employment opportunities.

Through these support mechanisms, Al Maarefa University creates an inclusive campus environment where students from low-income backgrounds can focus on their education without undue financial stress [1]. Ensuring basic needs like food, transport, and legal aid are met is key to breaking the cycle of poverty for its students and helping them complete their degrees.

Financial Aid and Scholarship Programs

Financial assistance is a cornerstone of Al Maarefa’s anti-poverty strategy. The university provides a range of scholarships, grants, loans, and fee waivers targeted at economically disadvantaged students, thereby lowering the financial barriers to higher education [1]. Key programs include:

Merit & Need-Based Scholarships

Al Maarefa University offers numerous scholarships that are both merit-based and need-based, open to domestic and international students. These scholarships can cover tuition fees (fully or partially) and sometimes additional education expenses, significantly reducing the burden on students from low-income families [1] [3]. For example, outstanding academic achievers may receive up to 50% tuition waivers, and the university explicitly sets aside scholarships to support students with financial need [4] [1].

Social Charity Fund Grants

In partnership with the national Social Charity Fund, Al Maarefa secured dedicated educational grants for students who fall in the bottom 20% of household income nationwide [1]. Through this agreement, high-need students receive funding to cover their studies. This initiative exemplifies how the university leverages external philanthropic support to sponsor low-income Saudi students, aligning with government poverty-reduction programs. “Based on the above, Al Maarefa University signed an agreement with Social Charity Fund to get educational grants for students who fall into the bottom 20% of household income group in the country.” [1].

Maslak Loan Initiative

Al Maarefa University, in collaboration with the Sulaiman Al-Rajhi Foundation for Development Finance, offers the Maslak Educational Loan program to its students [4]. This zero-interest (Sharia-compliant) loan allows undergraduate students to defer tuition payments and repay in easy installments after graduation [4]. The Maslak Fund makes education more accessible to those who cannot pay upfront, effectively functioning as an “Study Now, Pay Later” scheme to prevent students from pausing their education due to financial constraints. “In partnership with the Maslak Educational Finance Fund, [the university] offers the ‘Maslak Loan Initiative,’ designed for undergraduate students, providing them with the opportunity to study with an easy repayment plan that extends beyond graduation.” [4].

Tuition Discounts and Waivers

The university also extends tuition fee discounts in special cases – for example, siblings enrolled concurrently receive discounts (15% for a second sibling, 20% for a third) to ease the financial load on families [4]. Students who pay their fees early may get up to 15% off, and high-achieving continuing students can earn semester scholarships up to 50% based on their GPAs [4]. While these policies apply to all students, they particularly benefit those from modest economic backgrounds by lowering overall tuition costs.

Government Stipends

Al Maarefa aligns with national programs that support low-income students. Many Saudi students benefit from monthly government stipends or support under initiatives of the Ministry of Education, which complement the university’s own aid. These public programs, emphasized in Saudi Vision 2030, ensure that even students from very low-income households have some financial support to cover living expenses [1]. The university works within this framework to maximize the aid a student receives, combining state support with university scholarships so that financial hardship is not a barrier to completion [1].

Through this multi-layered financial aid system, Al Maarefa University substantially lowers the economic hurdles for disadvantaged students. By providing direct financial support (scholarships and loans) and indirect support (discounts and external grants), the university enables more low-income students to enroll, persist, and graduate [1] [5]. These efforts directly tackle SDG 1 by using education as a pathway out of poverty for the youth.

Community Outreach and Poverty Reduction Partnerships

Beyond its campus, Al Maarefa University engages in community outreach and forms partnerships to alleviate poverty and uplift the surrounding society. The university’s Social Responsibility Unit leads many of these initiatives, working with charities, NGOs, and government bodies on programs that benefit underprivileged groups. Major outreach efforts include:

Education for Orphans (Ensan Partnership)

Al Maarefa signed an MoU with the Charitable Society for Orphans Care “Ensan” – a leading NGO caring for orphans in Riyadh – to provide higher education opportunities and training for orphaned youth [5]. Through this agreement, the university helps qualify orphans to obtain bachelor’s degrees in fields like medicine, pharmacy, and engineering, by offering them seats and support in its programs [5]. The goal is to give orphans the skills and credentials for a “decent life” through quality education, aligning with Vision 2030’s focus on developing human capital among all segments of society. This partnership demonstrates Al Maarefa’s commitment to breaking the poverty cycle among one of the most vulnerable populations (orphaned children) via educational empowerment.

“UniRef” Refugee Education Collaboration

Al Maarefa University has also engaged internationally by partnering with the University of Refugees (UniRef), a Swiss-based initiative focused on providing education to refugees worldwide. In a campus visit by UniRef’s leadership, Al Maarefa’s President discussed humanitarian services for refugees and ways the two institutions could cooperate to teach refugee students around the globe [2]. By exploring joint programs for refugee education, Al Maarefa extends its impact to poverty among displaced populations, sharing its knowledge resources to benefit those in dire need of educational access.

Charitable Drives and Volunteering

The university regularly organizes campus-wide charity campaigns to aid the less fortunate in the local community. For example, the Social Responsibility Unit ran a Clothing Donation Campaign in cooperation with the Imam Muhammad bin Saud Charity Association, encouraging students and staff to donate new or gently used clothes to poor families [2]. The campaign, promoted under the slogan “If you don’t need it, donate it” (#اذا_ماتبيها_تبرع_فيها), exemplifies how Al Maarefa instills a culture of generosity on campus and tangibly supports those in poverty with basic needs like clothing. Similar initiatives include blood donation drives, food parcel distributions during Ramadan, and other volunteer efforts that engage the university community in social causes (e.g. medical students organizing free health check-ups for low-income neighborhoods). These outreach activities not only provide material assistance but also raise awareness about poverty among students.

Local Capacity-Building Programs

In its home district of Ad-Dir’iyyah, the university participates in community development projects to build economic capacity. Al Maarefa offers training workshops for local residents on entrepreneurship, sustainable business practices, and financial literacy, in coordination with community leaders [5]. By improving financial knowledge and job skills in the community, the university helps individuals create sustainable livelihoods. One notable program is the Healthy Cities Program in Dir’iyyah, where Al Maarefa’s Business Center hosted capacity-building courses for community health workers, coupled with a community partnership agreement signed by the university’s Board of Trustees to further serve the local population [5]. Such efforts contribute to poverty reduction indirectly by strengthening community health and economic resilience.

Strategic Alliances for Education Access

Al Maarefa also forges partnerships that make education more affordable for wider society. For instance, the university joined the Financial Sector “Meeza” Program, an alliance of government financial institutions (including the central bank, Ministry of Finance, and others). Under this partnership, Al Maarefa offers special tuition discounts for the employees of those public agencies and their families [2]. While this program targets working adults and their dependents rather than the unemployed poor, it reflects the university’s broader social responsibility – extending learning opportunities and financial relief to various segments of the community. It strengthens the ecosystem by which more individuals can up-skill or pursue higher education without incurring prohibitive costs.

Through these outreach programs and collaborations, Al Maarefa University leverages its resources and expertise beyond campus walls to combat poverty in society. Whether by donating goods, educating vulnerable groups like orphans and refugees, or partnering with charities on community projects, the university aligns its social responsibility mission with SDG 1 to uplift the wider community. These partnerships are backed by evidence of the university’s direct engagement: “Al Maarefa University supports numerous community-based programs aimed at helping disadvantaged groups access education and basic services” [5]. By nurturing such town-and-gown relationships, the university amplifies its impact on poverty reduction at local, national, and even global levels.

Research and Academic Contributions on Poverty

Al Maarefa University recognizes that research, innovation, and knowledge sharing are powerful tools in addressing the root causes of poverty. The university’s faculty and students contribute academically to the fight against poverty and economic inequality through research projects, publications, and participation in policy discussions. Key aspects of this academic engagement include:

Poverty-Related Research Projects

University researchers undertake studies that evaluate social and economic issues pertinent to poverty alleviation. For example, Al Maarefa has been involved in national research projects assessing the effectiveness of public policies on poverty reduction [5]. By analyzing how government programs impact poverty levels, the university provides valuable data to policymakers on what strategies work best to support low-income communities [5]. This evidence-based approach helps ensure that anti-poverty policies (in areas like social welfare, education access, or labor market reforms) are grounded in research and can be improved over time. The university’s contributions in this area align with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 emphasis on measuring outcomes and enhancing social programs [5].

Faculty Expertise and Publications

Several faculty members incorporate themes of social equity, economic empowerment, and poverty alleviation into their academic work. While Al Maarefa is primarily known for medicine, pharmacy, and technical fields, its scholars also address interdisciplinary aspects of poverty. For instance, faculty in public health might research health disparities in low-income populations, and business faculty could examine entrepreneurship as a vehicle for poverty reduction. The university’s commitment is reflected in the statement that “Al Maarefa University emphasizes research and innovation as essential tools for addressing poverty”, contributing new knowledge and innovative approaches to poverty reduction [2]. Research outputs include conference papers and articles that investigate poverty’s link with education, health outcomes, and economic development in the region. These scholarly activities position the university as a thought leader in understanding and tackling poverty challenges.

Workshops, Seminars, and SDG Events

On campus, workshops and awareness seminars are organized to engage students and faculty in dialogues about poverty and inequality. The Social Responsibility Unit and various student clubs have hosted events on topics such as “the role of higher education in poverty eradication” and community development project showcases. These events often coincide with national or international observances (e.g., International Day for the Eradication of Poverty) and encourage students to brainstorm solutions for local poverty issues. Al Maarefa also participates in external conferences and networks focused on sustainable development. For instance, the university takes part in international forums and higher education consortia discussing how universities can advance the UN SDGs, including SDG1 [5]. Such participation allows Al Maarefa to share best practices and learn from global experiences in poverty alleviation. According to university reports, Al Maarefa has been part of initiatives that bring together educational institutions, governments, and international organizations to explore the role of higher education in achieving the SDGs, particularly Goal 1 [5]. This global engagement amplifies the impact of the university’s research and keeps its academic community at the forefront of sustainable development discussions.

Student Projects and Publications

Students at Al Maarefa are also encouraged to address community issues as part of their learning. Through capstone projects or the annual Research Day, some students focus on topics like poverty, health access in poor neighborhoods, or the impact of digital literacy on low-income families. The university facilitates publishing outstanding student research in institutional journals or presentations in youth forums. These academic exercises not only enrich the students’ education but also yield insights that can inform local poverty interventions (for example, a nursing student’s project on malnutrition in low-income children, or an engineering student’s low-cost technology solution for rural communities). By integrating community-oriented research into the curriculum, Al Maarefa produces graduates who are aware of and equipped to solve real-world poverty problems.

Collectively, these research and academic efforts demonstrate Al Maarefa University’s role in knowledge generation and advocacy for poverty reduction. The university leverages its intellectual capital to influence policy and practice, backing its on-the-ground initiatives with scholarly rigor. This dual approach of action and research reinforces the university’s contributions to SDG 1 and ensures that its anti-poverty initiatives are informed by evidence and expert insight [5].

Staff Support and Fair Employment Practices

Al Maarefa University not only helps students and the community but also ensures its own employees are treated fairly and are not left in poverty. In alignment with SDG 1 and SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth), the university maintains human resource policies that support staff welfare, guaranteeing a living wage and benefits for all workers on campus. Key features of these policies include:

Living Wage Policy

The university is committed to paying all faculty and staff at least a living wage, as evidenced by its adherence to a standardized wage scale above the minimum legal requirements [6] [7]. Al Maarefa’s HR policy explicitly states that salaries are determined according to an approved pay scale and paid regularly each month [8]. By ensuring that even the lowest-paid employees (such as support staff, custodial, and administrative workers) receive a fair base wage sufficient for basic living expenses, the university helps its employees avoid poverty. This practice was documented in the university’s 2023 Impact Rankings submission under indicator 8.2.1 (paying a living wage) and reflects compliance with national labor laws and beyond.

Equal Pay and Benefits

Al Maarefa University upholds equality and non-discrimination in compensation. Men and women employees with the same qualifications and roles receive equal salaries, as the university uses a unified pay scale regardless of gender [8] [9]. Furthermore, staff compensation packages include additional allowances and benefits that improve their economic security. Housing allowances and transportation stipends are provided monthly to help cover living costs, and the university even offers on-campus or subsidized housing options for staff who need it [9]. New employees recruited from outside the region are eligible for up to six months of advanced housing allowance or temporary university housing to ease their relocation [9]. These measures ensure that staff are not overburdened by rent or commute costs, which is particularly important for lower-income support staff.

Comprehensive Health Insurance

All university employees (faculty and staff) and their families are covered by medical insurance provided by Al Maarefa [9]. This benefit is in accordance with Saudi labor laws and goes further to upgrade coverage for dependents as needed [9]. By covering healthcare, the university protects employees from catastrophic expenses due to illness – a common factor that can push working families into poverty. The availability of quality health insurance as a standard benefit reflects the institution’s commitment to the well-being and financial stability of its workforce.

Professional Development and Support

In addition to wages and benefits, the university fosters a supportive work environment through training and grievance policies. Al Maarefa has guidelines for fair working conditions, anti-discrimination in the workplace, and avenues for employees to voice concerns (e.g., an employee rights appeal process) [9]. While these policies address SDG 8 more directly, they also contribute to SDG 1 by ensuring that employment at the university is a secure and empowering opportunity. The university’s commitment to no forced labor, no modern slavery, and support for labor rights helps protect vulnerable workers, such as contractors or service staff, from exploitation [9]. All these factors combined mean that those who work at Al Maarefa University are less likely to experience poverty, thanks to fair pay and a network of support.

By leading as an example of a living-wage employer, Al Maarefa University contributes to poverty alleviation not just externally but within its own operations. This holistic approach ensures that the institution’s pursuit of sustainable development is reflected internally in the livelihoods of its staff. It reinforces the message that ending poverty starts at home – by valuing employees and providing them the economic means and security to thrive.

Institutional Strategy and Leadership Commitment

Al Maarefa University’s efforts against poverty are not ad-hoc; they are guided by a clear institutional strategy and top-level commitment to sustainable development. The university’s leadership has integrated SDG 1 into its planning, governance, and external engagement, ensuring that anti-poverty actions are sustained and aligned with broader goals. Evidence of this high-level commitment includes:

Alignment with National and Global Agendas

The university explicitly aligns its initiatives with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, which emphasizes poverty reduction through economic diversification and social support programs [5]. Al Maarefa positions itself as a key player in achieving these national objectives within the higher education sector. At the same time, the university is deeply engaged with the United Nations SDG framework – it actively participates in the Times Higher Education (THE) Impact Rankings, which benchmark universities’ contributions to the SDGs. In 2022, Al Maarefa was ranked among the top 300 universities globally in the THE Impact Rankings and #4 within Saudi Arabia [4], reflecting the institution’s strong performance in areas like quality education and poverty alleviation. Such recognition indicates that the leadership has made SDGs a priority, dedicating resources and accountability to improving these metrics.

Policy Engagement and Advocacy

Al Maarefa University does not work in isolation; it contributes to policy-making and multi-stakeholder dialogues on poverty at local, regional, and international levels. University leaders and experts regularly collaborate with government ministries, NGOs, and international agencies to offer insights and expertise on social welfare policies [5]. For instance, Al Maarefa has been involved in committees or workshops with the Ministry of Education and social development authorities, providing data and recommendations on how to better support low-income students nationwide [5]. This active engagement in policy demonstrates leadership’s willingness to share the university’s experiences and learnings to inform broader poverty reduction strategies. “The university regularly collaborates with government ministries, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), and international agencies to provide insights and research on issues related to social equity, poverty alleviation, and economic empowerment.” [5]. By having a seat at the table in policy discussions, Al Maarefa ensures its mission extends beyond campus and helps shape systemic solutions to poverty.

Dedicated SDG Governance

Within the university’s governance structure, there are dedicated bodies and plans focusing on sustainability and social impact. A Social Responsibility Unit oversees community initiatives, and an internal SDG Committee or “Al Maarefa Ranking” team has been established to track progress on each SDG indicator [9]. This has led to the creation of an online SDG portal (sdg.um.edu.sa) where the university transparently reports its actions and metrics for each goal, including SDG 1. Such institutionalization means that addressing poverty is not left to one-off projects; it is part of the university’s continuous improvement cycle, with regular data collection (e.g. number of low-income students assisted, amount of scholarship funds disbursed, etc.) and public reporting. The SDG portal content shows detailed evidence for each Impact Rankings criterion, underscoring the leadership’s commitment to accountability and continual progress on these goals [9].

Community and Global Leadership

University leadership often highlights social responsibility in official communications. The Rector and Board of Trustees champion community service, frequently referencing the university’s duty to its community and the less fortunate. Al Maarefa has hosted or participated in global forums on social responsibility in higher education – for example, presenting its model at the Global CSR in Education Conference and engaging with the International Association of Universities’ SDG initiative [10]. By sharing its approaches and learning from others, the leadership keeps the university at the forefront of innovative practices to combat poverty. The university’s motto of graduating future leaders “with knowledge and responsibility” is embodied in these strategic choices.

In summary, Al Maarefa University’s fight against poverty is deeply rooted in its institutional ethos and leadership vision. It operates on the principle that universities have a critical role in ending poverty – through educating disadvantaged students, researching solutions, supporting employees, and partnering with the community and government. The comprehensive set of policies and programs described above, backed by official sources and partnerships, illustrate a cohesive strategy aimed at “No Poverty.” With strong leadership backing and integration into ranking frameworks and vision goals, these efforts are sustainable and poised to grow in impact. Al Maarefa University thus stands as a model in the region for how higher education institutions can drive social development and contribute to the eradication of poverty [5].

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