Saudi Gazette report

WASHINGTON – Mentor International celebrated the 25th anniversary of its foundation in a ceremony held at the Embassy of Sweden in Washington D.C. On behalf of the foundation’s founder and President Queen Silvia of Sweden, Princess Sora Bint Saud Bin Saad, spouse of Prince Abdul Aziz Bin Talal, and honorary ambassador of the foundation, graced the occasion.

In her speech, Princess Sora praised the vision and efforts of Queen Silvia in supporting the foundation. “The Mentor International has made its presence and influence as a charity foundation, in more than 80 countries with lending a helping hand to more than six million children and adolescents. The foundation’s programs have contributed significantly to empower them and develop their talents and keep them away from drugs and dangerous behaviors,” she said.

The princess called on the attendees to draw inspiration from humanitarian responsibility, urging everyone to contribute what they can to achieve the important goal of reaching children in need of support and guidance.

During the ceremony, a charity auction was held in addition to showcasing a series of difficult experiences that a number of celebrities as well as young men and girls had gone through in their lives and the role of foundation in guiding them in their hours of distress. During the ceremony, Princess Sora was honored for her untiring efforts in serving the foundation over the past four years.

The ceremony was attended by Sweden’s Ambassador to the United States Karen Olofsdotter, Chairman of the Board of Presidents of the Mentor International US LaMont Wells, a number of ambassadors and consuls, US government officials, as well as a number of businessmen and prominent women.

Mentor International is an international non-profit development organization working to help young people find a path toward a promising future. Using evidence-informed mentoring programs, it provides young people with strong role models, encourage them to stay in school, help them avoid drugs and alcohol. And, it exposes them to different professional fields and job possibilities through its strong partnerships and supporters.

Mentor International was founded in 1994 by Queen Silvia in collaboration with members of the World Health Organization, originally working in the field of drug use and substance abuse prevention.