Sharjah 24: The Professional Support Programme, introduced by the Sharjah Social Services Department (SSSD), has made significant strides in aiding individuals within the social security system. A total of 159 beneficiaries from the department's social security recipients have reaped the benefits of this initiative, alongside 38 governmental and non-governmental organisations since its inception in 2021.

This innovative programme has a dual approach to fostering employment opportunities for both genders. Firstly, there's the "Empowerment through Employment" initiative, which involves forging temporary contracts with government and private entities. The department covers supplementary allowances for participants when they join this employment empowerment programme.

The second initiative, aptly named "Opportunity," opens doors for this target group through a series of job fairs conducted regularly across various cities within the Emirate. Amna Al Hammadi, Director of the Professional Support Programme at SSSD, emphasises that the programme is accessible to all social security beneficiaries in the department who meet specific employment criteria, are residents of Sharjah, are under 45 years of age, and possess the ability to contribute actively to the workforce.

Al Hammadi reports, "Our efforts have yielded tangible results, with two individuals securing employment contracts through the job fairs we've organised. Moreover, 159 individuals have benefited from the Empowerment through Employment contracts, and we've fostered collaborations with 38 governmental and non-governmental entities. At present, we have a waiting list of 270 candidates eager to participate in both the 'Opportunity' and 'Empowerment through Employment' initiatives."

The department not only covers the costs associated with temporary contracts but also provides a supplementary allowance on top of the social assistance offered to programme beneficiaries. The value of this social assistance varies based on the number of dependents, with increasing numbers leading to higher levels of support.