Sharjah Social Empowerment Foundation Highlights Key Achievements In Supporting Orphans And Families For 2024

The Sharjah Social Empowerment Foundation recently held its annual meeting, attended by Sheikha Jameela bint Mohammed Al Qasimi, Chairperson of Sharjah City for Humanitarian Services. During the meeting, they reviewed significant achievements from 2024, which included supporting 2,769 orphans and 1,186 families in Sharjah and nearby areas. Additionally, 170 new orphans were empowered, bringing the total number of empowered children to 2,035 by the end of the year.

Sheikha Jameela praised the foundation's efforts in enhancing the lives of orphans. She stated, "What the Foundation delivers reflects a deep humanitarian commitment. These achievements are not just numbers; they are success stories that inspire us to continue giving. Empowerment is not limited to financial support—it includes capacity building and boosting self-confidence, which the Foundation has successfully achieved through its comprehensive programmes."

Mona bin Hadda Al Suwaidi, Director-General of the Foundation, expressed gratitude for Sheikha Jameela's presence at the meeting. She highlighted that these accomplishments align with the foundation’s vision to empower children and families. This vision is inspired by His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi's guidance and support. Al Suwaidi noted that 2024 marked a pivotal year with achievements in various empowerment domains.

The foundation participated in international events like the United Nations’ Summit of the Future and other educational conferences. They received recognition with the Prince Mohammad Bin Fahd Award for Best Charity Performance in the Arab World. Al Suwaidi confirmed these successes resulted from an effective strategy supported by wise leadership and generous partners.

In 2024, approximately AED27 million was spent on family support. Zakat funds and Ramadan provisions benefited 1,169 families and 2,744 children during Ramadan. The "Iftar Project" aided 248 families and 772 children through meal vouchers provided by hotels, restaurants, and community members.

During Eid Al Adha, 199 families and 515 children received sweets through the "Eid Sweets" project. Additionally, "Eidiya" gifts were given to 327 children to enhance their festive experience. Nine newly enrolled families received Ramadan gifts along with 20 children.

Sponsorships and Educational Support

The foundation supported orphans through sponsorship projects such as "Sponsor an Orphan," which aided 331 orphans, while "Sponsor a Family" helped 226 families. Urgent financial aid exceeded AED2 million via the "Jabr" (Relief) project.

Educational sponsorships supported students' education with a total of 585 sponsorships provided by year-end. This brought sponsored students to a total of 1,913 in 2024. The "Sidrat Al-Amani" (Tree of Wishes) project fulfilled 277 wishes this year alone.

Social Empowerment Programmes

The foundation enhanced social empowerment through services benefiting 146 children and 59 guardians. Individual case studies were conducted for 333 children under social programmes like "Sanad Al-Bayt" (Home Support), serving young men, girls, and guardians.

Counselling programmes reached out to 333 children while group activities benefited guardians and children alike. Seasonal programmes served over half a thousand guardians alongside their children.

Health Initiatives and Environmental Aid

Psychological support was provided to help orphans overcome trauma through programmes like "Takhaṭṭā," involving participation from several children. Medical check-ups were offered free to many beneficiaries including treatment costs for some individuals.

The environmental needs of orphan families were addressed with aid worth nearly AED2 million benefiting hundreds of families and children alike through projects like "Jodran" (Walls) which provided home repairs where needed.

Vocational Training for Future Readiness

The foundation focused on job-readiness training for its beneficiaries by conducting vocational workshops benefiting numerous participants including both children and guardians across several entities.

The Sharjah Social Empowerment Foundation remains committed to maintaining global quality standards as evidenced by its ISO9001:2015 certification ensuring best practices in service delivery continue into future endeavours.

With inputs from WAM