BREAKING: Saudi charitable Princess BANDARI Al-Faisal HAS DIED

 

Yesterday, Friday March 15 (2019), the Royal Court of Saudi Arabia, announced the death of a member. Princess Bandari bint Abdul Rahman Al-Faisal, a paternal granddaughter of King Faisal (r. 1964-75) & maternal granddaughter of King Khalid (r. 1975-82), passed away at a relatively young age. Her cause of death wasn't announced, though it was revealed that her private funeral muslim prayers would be held today (Saturday), at Imam Turki bin Abdullah' Mosque in Riyadh, after Asr (afternoon) prayers.

Princess Al-Bandari has been described at a pioneer in her Kingdom's philanthropy & social work. A University graduate with Bachelor degree in Arts & English literature (1994), she obtained her master's in public policy from a Harvard's Government School (US), in 1998, and soon after started her charity work. In a time when domestic abuse was not given much attention, and women & children's wellbeing was a private matter, Bandari was among the first to seek awarness & provide a resultive solution to those issues.

The Princess had managed the charitable King Khalid Foundation (KKF), as its director-general from its inception in 2001. As its Chief executive officer, she promoted new solutions to the social & economic challenges the kingdom faced, bidding efforts to eliminate poverty & campaigning against domestic abuse. The latter move received international attention and in 2013 suggested & promulgated a law, punishing those who abused women & children physically or psychologically. The foundation, joined the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation in 2016, to launch "Shaghaf" (meaning passion) - a fellowship program, "attracting and empowering young Saudis" in charitable work, providing them seasonal lessons in non-profit organisations' management.

The late Princess was also a member of "Al-Nahda Philanthropic Society for Women", The "ADHD Society and Support Group" (AFTA), the "Voice of Down Syndrome Society" (SAUT), & numerous other non-profit organisations, which she frequently contributed to. Her death was met with sorrow & tributes by her royal relatives & compatriots (members of her charities & officials). They called her the "leader of charitable work", prayed to Allah to improve "her grades and reward", & told that she had "served so many of the needy, did so much good for many, and have wiped the tears of many an orphan"; mourning her passing.

Further links of additional information: http://www.arabnews.com/node/1434986/saudi-arabia

http://saudigazette.com.sa/article/561317/SAUDI-ARABIA/Princess-of-charity-Bandari-Al-Faisal-passes-away

https://english.alarabiya.net/en/features/2019/03/16/Saudi-Princess-Al-Bandari-A-lifetime-dedicated-to-philanthropy-women-s-rights.html

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/King_Khalid_Foundation

https://www.spa.gov.sa/viewfullstory.php?lang=en&newsid=1899581

http://www.gdnonline.com/Details/509841/Saudi-Princess-Al-Bandari-Al-Saud-mourned.