Sharjah Ruler Recognises LightEd Impact Foundation For Outstanding Refugee Advocacy At SIARA Ceremony

H.H. Dr. Sheikh Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, awarded the Sharjah International Award for Refugee Advocacy and Support (SIARA) to Nigeria's LightEd Impact Foundation. The ceremony, hosted by Ahmed Al Yamahi, took place at the Sharjah Research Technology and Innovation Park. This award highlights LightEd Impact Foundation's efforts in providing sustainable energy solutions to refugees in Nigeria and Africa.

The event featured a film showcasing the foundation's achievements, benefiting over 50,000 families in African refugee camps and rural areas. It also introduced educational programmes on recycling materials into alternative energy sources. Stanley Anigbogu, founder of LightEd Impact Foundation, expressed gratitude upon receiving the award from His Highness Ruler of Sharjah.

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Mariam Al Hammadi, Director General of The Big Heart Foundation (TBHF), highlighted the importance of humanitarian work in addressing global challenges. She stated that humanity faces unprecedented issues today, but collective values have become central to global priorities. Al Hammadi emphasised that creative humanitarian efforts affirm that goodness persists even in dark times.

Andrew Harper, Special Advisor to the UN High Commissioner for Refugees on Climate Action, praised Sharjah's support for refugees and international collaboration. He commended H.H. Sheikha Jawaher bint Mohammed Al Qasimi for her humanitarian leadership through TBHF. Harper stressed the urgent need for action against climate change affecting refugees disproportionately.

LightEd Impact Foundation has established solar energy stations in remote Nigerian areas, enabling refugee children to continue their education. These initiatives have reduced crime rates by improving safety standards. The foundation's work demonstrates how innovation can address global challenges like climate change and improve displaced communities' lives.

Anigbogu shared his personal experience with energy poverty growing up in Onitsha, Nigeria. He realised how crucial energy access is to education and opportunity. At LightEd Impact Foundation, they believe creativity unlocks impactful solutions, lighting up homes and futures while empowering generations with knowledge.

Award Ceremony Highlights

The SIARA award ceremony included a dialogue between Anigbogu and beneficiaries now part of LightEd Impact's team. They shared stories of empowerment through sustainable energy solutions that provided education access and development opportunities. Their experiences highlighted the positive changes brought by LightEd Impact’s initiatives.

The event also featured a performance by Al Multaqa Orchestra, composed of young musicians displaced by conflict in Sudan. Their blend of African and Afro-Arabic music conveyed hope and resilience amid adversity, promoting cultural dialogue worldwide.

Future Prospects and Selection Process

During the ceremony, TBHF announced registrations for SIARA's 9th edition are open until December 8 for individuals or organisations supporting refugees in the Middle East, Asia, and Africa. This year marked a shift in selecting winners with diverse committee members including former refugees like Hina Shekhani.

The selection committee included Sheikh Sultan Sooud Al Qassemi from Barjeel Art Foundation; Rosa Piro from Arada Humanitarian Foundation; Mohammed Zakaria from Seven Hills; representatives from TBHF; UNHCR; and others who evaluated nominees based on their contributions to refugee advocacy.

Sponsorships and Attendees

The 8th SIARA edition was sponsored by Sharjah National Oil Corporation as Gold Sponsor; Bee’ah Group as Silver Sponsor; Sharjah Research Technology & Innovation Park as Official Venue Sponsor; Centro Sharjah as Official Hospitality Sponsor; Sharjah Commerce & Tourism Development Authority as Logistics Sponsor.

Prominent attendees included Sheikh Mohammed bin Humaid Al Qasimi; Sheikha Jawaher bint Abdullah Al Qasimi; Dr Mansour bin Nassar; Khalid Jassim Al Midfa; Dr Abdulaziz Saeed Al Muhairi; Major General Abdullah Mubarak bin Amer among others from government entities & humanitarian organisations.

With inputs from WAM