Weaving a historical narrative: Volunteering at Al-Sadu House

Volunteering is not only a learning adventure — it is an emotionally fulfilling and rewarding experience, as it attracts kind and goodhearted individuals. With these words, Abdullah Gholoum expressed to Kuwait Times the beauty of volunteer work and its psychological impact, as well as its practical benefits on an individual.

Gholoum, an active volunteer at Al-Sadu House and an English student, gave Kuwait Times an inside look into his full day. He begins his day by attending university, where he studies English literature. He then heads to a nearby coffeeshop to complete his assignments and relieve himself of worrying about deadlines for the rest of the day. “After I’m done with my morning work, I head home for lunch with my family, pray and rest before I delve into my online German language classes, as I am learning a third language to invest in my personal growth,” he explained.

After sunset, his adventures at Sadu House begin. “I am volunteering as a guide for visitors, particularly visitors who don’t speak Arabic. This decision was made after the leader found out that I am capable of speaking multiple languages. I take visitors on a tour, explaining the significance of each item in every room at Sadu House, and I offer them an insight into Kuwait’s history of Sadu weaving, where the materials and colors come from, and showcase examples of woven Sadu that draw inspiration from different cultures like India, Palestine and others,” Gholoum said.

Besides the interesting historical information Gholoum imparts while volunteering at Sadu House, he cherishes the friendships he has made during his time volunteering. “The people I meet at Sadu House are very kind. I have made many new friendships with people from different parts of the world, but the most remarkable ones are Germans, as I tend to use their native Deutsch language while guiding them around the place to make them feel at home. This never fails to bring joy to them and I,” he said.

Sadu House holds a special place in his heart, not only because it is one of the most significant touristic attractions in Kuwait, but also because it allows him to interact with people from all around the world. Gholoum recalled a heartwarming moment at Sadu House.

Material from which textiles are made, alongside a brush that helps with the weaving. “I was once guiding two elderly German couples around Sadu House. At the end of the day, one of the women decided to give me a tip as a memento for the unforgettable experience. I am keeping the tip she gave me as a cherished keepsake,” he concluded.

Camel head decorative accessory that was exclusively used by elites and merchants.

Abdullah Ghloloum explaining the Sadu weaving technique at Sadu House.

Materials from which yarns to weave Sadu are dyed.

Sadu yarns colored in dyes brought from India.

Sadu yarns in earthen colors.

Abdullah Ghloloum