Loading...

mosque
partly-cloudy
°C,

Sharjah Social Empowerment Foundation reviews 2024 achievements

June 26, 2025 / 5:40 PM
Sharjah Social Empowerment Foundation reviews 2024 achievements
download-img
Sharjah 24: The Sharjah Social Empowerment Foundation held its annual meeting in the presence of Her Excellency Sheikha Jameela bint Mohammed Al Qasimi, Chairperson of Sharjah City for Humanitarian Services, where Her Excellency reviewed the key statistics and outcomes of programmes and projects achieved during 2024.

These efforts contributed to supporting 2,769 orphans and 1,186 families across Sharjah and its affiliated regions, in addition to empowering 170 newly enrolled orphans—bringing the total number of empowered children by year-end to 2,035.

Constructive Efforts

Her Excellency Sheikha Jameela bint Mohammed Al Qasimi expressed her appreciation for the efforts exerted by the Sharjah Social Empowerment Foundation, underscoring the importance of sustaining humanitarian work that enhances the quality of life for orphans. She said: “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.”

For her part, Mona bin Hadda Al Suwaidi, Director General of the Foundation, expressed her gratitude for the presence of Her Excellency Sheikha Jameela at the meeting, affirming that the achievements reflect the Foundation’s vision to empower children and their families, drawing inspiration from the guidance and support of His Highness Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah. She added: “The year 2024 marked a pivotal milestone in which the Foundation accomplished qualitative achievements across various empowerment domains, with international participation in prestigious events such as the United Nations’ Summit of the Future and other scientific and educational conferences. We were also honoured with the Prince Mohammad Bin Fahd Award for Best Charity Performance in the Arab World.”

Al Suwaidi confirmed that these accomplishments are the result of an effective strategy and the continuous support of the wise leadership and generous partners from individuals and institutions. She emphasised the Foundation’s commitment to continually developing its programmes and expanding its impact, based on its belief that investing in children is an investment in the future of society.

Conferences on Arab and Global Levels

Throughout 2024, the Foundation participated in a number of prominent global and Arab conferences, furthering its role in supporting scientific research, innovation, and engagement in global developmental issues. These included two conferences in Saudi Arabia, namely the Third Scientific Conference for Psychological Studies, where the Foundation presented a study on the effectiveness of its guidance programme “Takhaṭṭā” (Overcoming), which helps orphans cope with loss. It also had a notable presence at the Educational Innovation Conference, offering new insights on the impact of the pioneering “Allama bil Qalam” initiative in delivering psychological and educational support to orphans. Additionally, the Foundation participated in the UN Civil Society Conference supporting the Summit of the Future in Nairobi, Kenya—laying the groundwork for involvement in the actual summit, including workshops focused on youth leadership in the future and innovation in humanitarian projects.

Global Quality Management System

The Foundation reaffirmed its full commitment to global quality standards and its continued implementation of certified quality management systems. This comes within the scope of maintaining its ISO9001:2015 Quality Management System certification, ensuring the best practices in delivering services to beneficiaries.

Empowerment Achievements

The Foundation continued to achieve qualitative progress in 2024 by providing comprehensive support to its beneficiaries through academic, economic, social, psychological, health, environmental, and professional empowerment programmes, solidifying its leading role in sustainable empowerment.

Zakat and Donations Expenditures

Total expenditures provided to families amounted to approximately AED 27 million, allocated to fund all projects supporting orphan families throughout the year.

Economic Empowerment of Families

A total of 1,169 families and 2,744 children benefited from zakat funds and Ramadan provisions during the holy month. The “Iftar Project” supported 248 families and 772 children through contributions from hotels, restaurants, and community members, who helped provide meal vouchers for orphan families—enhancing the spirit of social solidarity. Ramadan gifts were given to 9 newly enrolled families and 20 children, while the “Eid Sweets” project during Eid Al Adha reached 199 families and 515 children to bring joy in preparation for the Eid celebration. Additionally, 327 children were gifted “Eidiya” under the Eid gift project to complete their festive experience.

The Foundation also supported orphans and their families through sponsorship projects, including the sponsorship of 331 orphans via the “Sponsor an Orphan” project and 226 families via the “Sponsor a Family” initiative. Moreover, urgent financial support to relieve hardships exceeded AED 2 million through the “Jabr” (Relief) project. The education of students enrolled in the Foundation was supported through 585 education sponsorships, bringing the total number of sponsored students to 1,913 by the end of 2024. Also, 277 wishes were fulfilled through the “Sidrat Al-Amani” (Tree of Wishes) project, raising the total number of fulfilled wishes since the project's launch to 3,666.

Academic Support for Students

A total of 1,058 students benefited from tuition fee payments and 99 students received educational devices. The Foundation awarded 8 university scholarships and honoured 34 outstanding students, in addition to organising 10 Umrah trips. Educational support lessons benefited 156 students, while 9 students with learning difficulties were also supported. Moreover, 165 students attended specialised skills-development courses, and 18 students were enrolled in IELTS exams. School visits were conducted for 735 students across 101 schools.

Social Empowerment

The Foundation enhanced the social empowerment of its beneficiaries through social services, which supported 146 children and 59 guardians, and individual case studies for 333 children. Social programmes included the “Sanad Al-Bayt” (Home Support) project, which served 85 young men, 84 girls, and 69 guardians. Social support and counseling programmes were also delivered to 333 children. Additionally, group activities and seasonal programmes benefited 553 guardians and 72 children, while the support groups programme served 52 guardians. A total of 71 mothers were honoured on International Women’s Day and Mother's Day in recognition of their efforts in raising children.

Mental Health Care

The Foundation focused on providing psychological support for orphans and their families through counseling sessions and services that benefited 279 children and 84 guardians. The “Takhaṭṭā” programme, aimed at helping orphans overcome the trauma of loss, was conducted with the participation of 23 children.

Healthcare Services

Treatment costs were covered for 40 children and 30 guardians, while 240 children and 145 guardians received free medical check-ups. Additionally, health awareness workshops were held for 84 girls.

Meeting Environmental Needs

The environmental needs of orphan families were addressed through environmental aid worth nearly AED 2 million, benefiting 284 families and 719 children. The “Jodran” (Walls) project provided necessary home repairs for 6 houses.

Developing Vocational Skills

The Foundation worked to enhance the job-readiness of its children by training 38 participants across 4 entities, and conducting 4 vocational workshops that benefited 109 children and 6 guardians.

Sustainable Impact

Sharjah Social Empowerment Foundation continues its efforts to provide comprehensive, sustainable support to orphans, ensuring their independence and quality of life across all aspects of empowerment. The Foundation reaffirms its commitment to continuously evolving its initiatives to secure a dignified life for its beneficiaries and amplify its social impact in line with its vision.

June 26, 2025 / 5:40 PM

More on this Topic

Rotate For an optimal experience, please
rotate your device to portrait mode.