U.S. Congressional delegation visits Effat College to learn about Saudi Education

The delegation included the following officials who hold offices with Democratic Congressmen: Mr.Jammel Johnson, Ms.Erika Young, and Ms.Semhar Araia. The Republican members of the congressional delegation were Ms.Helen Hardin, Mr. Kenny Kraft, Mr. Dana Gartzke, Mr. Joel Maiola, and Mr. John Goetchius.

This visit was arranged by the Saudi Embassy in Washington, D.C. (USA) and three embassy officials accompanied the delegation. Mr.Mohanad Alshaikh, Assistant Director for Congressional Affairs in the Royal Embassy of Saudi Arabia explained, "The objective of this visit is to enable the congressional delegation members to learn about Saudi culture and become aware of the educational reforms that have occurred in Saudi education."

Effat College staff welcomed the congressional delegation. After touring the campus facilities, the delegation watched a presentation on girls' education in Saudi Arabia. The delegation then held a question and answer session with HRH Princess Loulwah Al-Faisal, Vice Chair of the Board of Trustees & the General Supervisor of Effat College, the Dean of Effat College, Dr.Haifa Jamal Al-Lail, Effat College Advisory Board Member, Dr. Ghazi Binzagr, Vice-Deans , and students.

The congressional delegation members expressed their admiration with the caliber of Effat students and they asked several questions about enrollment and marketing efforts at Effat. A delegation member asked an interesting question about the possibility of offering more majors to our students.

HRH Princess Loulwah answered, "We are currently creating a Saudi Liberal Arts Program to suit the needs of our students."

Noor Masri, an Effat College Information Systems graduate and newly appointed employee at Effat College, explained to the audience that she had acquired valuable computer and communication skills from her education at Effat.