Sharjah 24: The Sharjah Charity International (SCI) revealed that it sponsored 28,536 orphans last year, with financial aid totaling 41.2 million dirhams across more than 21 countries globally. This brings the total number of sponsored individuals documented by the Charity since 2010 until the end of last year (2023) to over 360,000. This announcement coincides with Arab Orphan Day, observed on the first Friday of April each year.
Sheikh Saqr bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Chairman of the SCI’s Board of Directors, underscored Islam's emphasis on caring for orphans, considering it one of the noblest deeds. He highlighted the profound significance of sponsoring an orphan, both as an act of compassion and as a means of fulfilling a moral duty. Expressing gratitude to supporting entities and strategic partners, Sheikh Saqr accentuated the pivotal role of the Sharjah Charity International in championing the cause of orphans, guided by the directives of His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah.
The SCI’s sponsorship program follows a meticulous approach aimed at providing comprehensive support to orphans, facilitating their self-reliance. The sponsorship department diligently attends to the needs of beneficiaries, upholding values such as sincerity, humility, and transparency. Committed to its strategic vision, the Society continues to extend humanitarian aid both locally and internationally, catering to various vulnerable groups, including orphans, students, people with disabilities, and the needy.
He continued, stating that SCI has made significant strides in its sponsorship programs and the provision of comprehensive care for those it sponsors. Notably, the Charity ensured the backing of its donors from 2010, supporting around 18,254 individuals. Subsequently, in 2011, the numbers increased to 21,095, followed by 23,907 in 2012, and 24,600 in 2013. The trend continued with 26,529 sponsored persons in 2014, and 26,943 in 2015. By 2016, the figure rose to 27,476, peaking at 30,047 sponsored persons in 2017. In 2018, approximately 27,602 individuals received sponsorship, while in 2019, the numbers stood at 26,663. Additionally, there were 26,568 sponsored individuals across 24 countries worldwide in 2020, along with 24,946 in 2021. The year 2022 registered 27,115 sponsored persons, compared to 28,536 sponsored persons in the previous year.
Sheikh Saqr Al Qasimi highlighted the Association's diverse care for its sponsored individuals, addressing all the orphans' needs comprehensively. The SCI implemented monitoring programmes to oversee and support the sponsored persons, diversifying its initiatives to cover various aspects of healthcare. This included providing medical treatment and covering surgical expenses for those in need. Moreover, the SCI offered comprehensive support, including education and health assistance, alongside cultural, religious, and recreational activities aimed at nurturing the hidden talents among these orphans. He mentioned numerous field visits conducted with sponsors to assess the orphans' well-being and ensure the regular delivery of sponsorship benefits. Additionally, efforts were made to facilitate visits by orphans to the Emirates to meet their sponsors in person.
Sheikh Saqr Al Qasimi expressed heartfelt appreciation to donors, whose unwavering support has been instrumental in the success of the SCI's sponsorship project. He also thanked the country's embassies and representatives for their invaluable assistance in facilitating the Charity's outreach efforts and providing care for sponsored individuals worldwide.
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