Hamdan-ICESCO Prize Celebrates Winners Of 4th Edition For Educational Initiatives In Islamic World

The Islamic World Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organisation (ICESCO) and the Hamdan Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Foundation for Medical and Educational Sciences have revealed the winners of the 4th Hamdan-ICESCO Prize. This award recognises exceptional voluntary initiatives that enhance educational facilities in Islamic countries. The prize aims to encourage voluntary efforts in education, promote sustainable development, and support educational infrastructure across the Muslim world.

In December 2023, the fourth edition of this prize attracted applications from both organisations and individuals in various Islamic nations. Nine educational initiatives from seven countries participated this year, highlighting a growing interest in voluntary contributions to education. Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, Director-General of ICESCO, praised the prize's role in encouraging voluntary action in education.

Dr. AlMalik emphasised that developing educational facilities is crucial for societal progress. "Ensuring sustainable and inclusive education requires continuous support for voluntary efforts and philanthropic initiatives, which is the essence of this prize," he stated. He noted that this edition's winning projects demonstrate a strong commitment to positive change in communities.

Humaid Mohammed Al Qatami, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Hamdan Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Foundation for Medical and Educational Sciences, highlighted the foundation's vision for an advanced educational environment supporting sustainable development in Islamic countries. He remarked on the importance of investing in education for societal futures.

Al Qatami added that this prize honours voluntary efforts improving educational environments. "This edition’s winners have provided exceptional examples of projects with real impact," he said. The winners have helped build modern learning environments and opened new opportunities for students in beneficiary communities.

The Prize Jury selected three institutions for their pioneering projects: Hadramawt Foundation – Human Development (Yemen), Heydar Aliyev Foundation (Azerbaijan), and Moroccan Foundation for Primary Education (Morocco). These organisations were recognised for their innovative solutions to educational infrastructure challenges.

Impactful Contributions

Hadramawt Foundation was awarded for its "Pilot High Schools" project aimed at establishing modern high schools in Hadramawt Governorate to improve education quality. The Heydar Aliyev Foundation was acknowledged for its "Educational and Social Support Project," which builds and rehabilitates schools globally.

The Moroccan Foundation was honoured for equipping primary education departments across rural, semi-rural, and urban areas in Morocco. This initiative ensures an integrated learning environment for children in remote regions.

The prize reinforces its commitment to encouraging voluntary initiatives by recognising innovative solutions to infrastructure challenges within education. Strong participation numbers establish it as a leading programme supporting voluntary action across the Islamic world.

Winners will be celebrated at an upcoming social award ceremony where they will receive a prize shield and financial award to support their projects further benefiting their target communities.

With inputs from WAM