SSEF empowers orphans through academic support

Sharjah24: In line with its continued commitment to the care and empowerment of orphaned students, the Sharjah Social Empowerment Foundation (SSEF) has launched a new phase of its academic support initiative, offering remedial lessons to underperforming students. This comes as part of the Foundation’s ‘Learning through the Pen’ project and is delivered in coordination with the Sharjah Private Education Authority, the Teachers Association, and Al Kamal Private School, under the umbrella of the “We Rise Together” initiative.

Seventy students have now begun receiving academic tutoring, aimed specifically at those struggling with low academic achievement. The programme targets students under the Foundation’s care, who have lost parental support, offering them guidance from a team of qualified teachers to help boost their self-confidence, raise their academic levels, and better prepare for final exams.

Comprehensive educational support

Nawal Al Hamadi, Director of the Welfare Department at SSEF, commented: “Our interest in supporting the academic progress of our students stems from the ‘Learning through the Pen’ initiative, which aims to provide comprehensive assistance—removing educational obstacles and equipping students with the tools they need to succeed. The project currently supports nearly 1,900 students through a variety of educational services.”

She noted that the Foundation believes academic empowerment is essential for building a promising future. “This tutoring programme is one of several initiatives implemented in partnership with Sharjah’s education council, the Teachers Association, and Al Kamal Private School. The feedback we’ve received confirms a significant improvement in both student morale and academic performance, thanks to the dedicated efforts of the teaching staff.”

Al Hamadi concluded, “We view education as the first step toward true empowerment. The ‘Learning through the Pen’ project is part of a broader strategy focused on academic development. Our efforts go beyond school years to support higher education, recognising its critical role in shaping students’ futures and life trajectories. Investing in the education of orphaned youth is an investment in the future of society.”

Strengthening educational partnerships

Abdullah Al Marzouqi, Educational Advisor at the Sharjah Private Education Authority, praised the initiative, stating: “The ‘We Rise Together’ programme—launched by the Teachers Association in partnership with SSEF and the Sharjah Volunteering Centre, and in collaboration with Al Kamal American Private School in Al Azra—is an excellent example of community partnership in education. The Sharjah Private Education Authority strongly supports initiatives that aim to improve student outcomes and sees this as a model of integration between educational and community institutions.”

He added: “We are proud of our collaboration with SSEF and the Teachers Association. It’s essential to unify efforts to create an inclusive, motivating learning environment that enhances student capabilities and positively impacts academic performance.”

An educational model of collaboration

Salah Al Hosani, Chairman of the Teachers Association in the UAE, also emphasised the importance of partnership with community institutions. He noted that the “We Rise Together” initiative was specifically launched to support SSEF students ahead of their final third-term exams.

“This collaboration is a practical and distinguished model of community partnership, aiming to boost student performance at a critical time of the school year,” Al Hosani said. “The Teachers Association is committed to fostering a motivating educational environment, mobilising qualified educators, and designing specialised learning programmes that enhance student skills and close academic gaps.”

Volunteer engagement in student support

Volunteers also played a vital role in facilitating the programme. Ibrahim Al Naqbi, General Coordinator at the Sharjah Volunteering Centre, stated:

“Our continuous support for local initiatives reflects our commitment to community engagement. Volunteers had a major role in organising and supporting the ‘We Rise Together’ initiative—assisting students and teachers, monitoring attendance, and ensuring the learning environment was both safe and effective. The presence of a first-aid team among the volunteers helped ensure full preparedness and contributed to a secure and positive educational atmosphere.”

Ongoing support through the academic year

The remedial programme is delivered in the weeks leading up to final exams and includes regular performance assessments at the end of each term. Academic progress is closely monitored throughout the school year in coordination with parents and teachers to ensure sustained improvement.

SSEF continues to offer a wide range of educational services under its ‘Learning through the Pen’ project. In addition to tutoring support, the initiative helps cover school tuition fees, supports university education, and provides students with digital learning tools and study materials. It also includes year-round academic follow-ups, skill-development courses, support for gifted students, and assistance for those with learning difficulties—underscoring the Foundation’s vision to enable its students to thrive academically.