King Abdullah’s education plans stood out

IWOULD like to express my deepest condolences to fellow citizens on the passing of our beloved King Abdullah. When the news reached me, I could not help, in my sadness, but reflect on the immense legacy he has left behind. I will not enumerate all King Abdullah’s accomplishments because the list is vast, but would like to mention how much I appreciate what he did for the students of Saudi Arabia.

I believe he understood that a good education lies at the foundation of every prosperous society; that we could achieve untold success, if only given the opportunity. When King Abdullah sent us out, it was on the principle that we would one day return to our nation with both wisdom and expertise. Many young Saudis such as myself, have been afforded the chance to pursue higher education on King Abdullah’s trust.

In my view, there is no greater statement about the love a monarch has for his people than an investment of this manner in the younger generation. It is my hope that Saudi Arabia will continue to flourish in the decades to come by harnessing his gift of knowledge.

King Abdullah was a man of wise, prescient thinking, of great vision and of unquestionable love for his people. I know I speak on behalf of Saudi Arabia’s youth when I say that we are proud to have had such a king, and that he will be sorely missed.

As students who have been granted the responsibility to cultivate our intellect, we now have to show our gratitude under the leadership of our respected King Salman, Crown Prince Muqrin, and Deputy Crown Prince Mohammed bin Naif.They are the ones who will empower our nation and steer it on its course, guided by the wise policies established by the great King Abdul Aziz and his heirs. Kamal Adnan Khashoggi is an undergraduate student

at Boston University, US.