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The Big Heart Foundation (TBHF), a UAE-based global humanitarian organisation, has provided crucial financial aid and support worth more than Dh31 million to over 590,000 people across 12 countries impacted by natural disasters, conflict and the COVID-19 pandemic. In line with its willingness to safeguard and empower marginalised populations affected by vulnerable circumstances around the world. the Foundation ensured the provision of financial aid through 28 multi-sectoral projects during 2021.
Supporting vital sectors
As part of its international philanthropic response, the Foundation supported five vital sectors including education, health care, humanitarian aid and emergency relief, along with protection and livelihood. Through these efforts, TBHF helped in rehabilitating underprivileged people who were forcibly displaced due to conflicts, natural disasters and social ills in their countries. These efforts were ensured under the directives of His Highness Dr Sheikh Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah, and his wife Sheikha Jawaher bint Mohammed Al Qasimi, Chairperson of The Big Heart Foundation (TBHF), and eminent advocate for Refugee Children at the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR).
Supporting sustainable development projects
Among the various development projects implemented in 2021, the Foundation helped in bridging gaps in five vital sectors and fulfilled the urgent needs of communities in target countries. Through these efforts, the Foundation was able to bring fundamental change in the lives of refugees and the displaced.
Some of the most notable projects include:
Humanitarian aid and emergency relief
TBHF provided Dh5,153,856 to various humanitarian and emergency relief efforts to meet the needs of 8,506 beneficiaries across six countries. These efforts included the provision of emergency medical services to people injured in conflict zones as well as assisting them with surgical and mental health support. The Foundation also provided protective winter clothing, safe and nutritious food, repaired their homes using durable treated bamboo, and supplied food parcels and hygiene kits to people in need.
These initiatives were implemented in partnership with various institutions including UNHCR in Lebanon and Bangladesh, Penny Appeal in Jordan and Iraq, Medicin Sans Frontieres (MSF) and Welfare Association in Palestine, and MEK in Egypt.
Health care
In 2021, TBHF provided Dh10,218,176 in funds to support more than 525,500 individuals in five countries with timely and essential health services such as equipping a full-fledged mobile clinic in Sudan, Iraq and Somaliland and providing cancer medications in Lebanon. In Gaza, Palestine, TBHF led the fight against COVID-19 by establishing a computerised information system in three primary health centres. The Foundation also installed an oxygen generator and solar energy system at a health organisation in the crisis-hit region. TBHF partnered with CCCL, WHO, Aster Clinic, and Welfare Association to support the medical needs of vulnerable communities in these countries.
Education
Countries like Jordan, Kenya, Lebanon, Egypt and the UAE received Dh7,826,631 in financial aid to developing a reading culture among the young generation. Under the TBHF's goal to empower more than 14,000 youngsters through education, the Foundation provided books to those impacted by the disruption of physical learning during the pandemic.
To implement these measures, TBHF partnered with institutions such as We Love Reading, Refushe, UNICEF, MEK, and Rawafed Development and Learning Center in target countries to improve both school learning environment and outcomes for children in need.
Protection
Furthermore, TBHF provided Dh4,045,800 for specialised protection interventions of 40,100 beneficiaries in Lebanon, Turkey and Mauritania. Beneficiaries included conflict-impacted children and adults with specific needs who were given necessary physical and mental health support. For these projects, TBHF collaborated with INARA and UNHCR in the target countries.
Livelihood
TBHF granted Dh4,005,800 in funds to improve the livelihoods of vulnerable communities through the development of five projects in three countries. These measures were implemented in partnership with two major partners including The Lotus Flower in Iraq to benefit 2,260 lives. In Iraq, TBHF economically empowered almost 2,000 women by providing financial support and business mentorship.
Enabling and empowering youth
TBHF partnered with UNDP in Lebanon to enable 90 youth-led businesses to gain access to local helpdesk and online platform for general guidance and training. The helpdesk provided specialised technical support to businesses including coaching and mentoring 15 youths. At the same time, the projects incubated viable, innovative, and sustainable development initiatives of at least 20 youths.
In Palestine, TBHF collaborated with UNDP to promote sustainable livelihoods through youth entrepreneurship programmes for 15 scalable youth ventures in high growth sectors. Additionally, 50 MSMEs were given access to helpdesk services for better help and support.
UNHCR reappoints Sheikha Jawaher as Eminent Advocate
In August 2021, UNHCR honoured Sheikha Jawaher Al Qasimi’s humanitarian efforts during an official ceremony by reappointing her as an Eminent Advocate. During the ceremony, the UN body hailed Sheikha Jawaher’s achievements in strengthening international standards of humanitarian efforts, advocating for the rights of the displaced, and successfully implementing vital emergency relief and long-term sustainable projects.
Let’s Lessen the Gap
In April, TBHF called out the global community to support its 2021 Zakat and general donations drive during Ramadan as part of the let's Lessen the Gap’ campaign. It is a crucial part of TBHF's comprehensive and long-term programme launched in partnership with four UN agencies (UNHCR, UNDP, WHO and UNICEF) to address the humanitarian-development challenges imposed by the COVID-19 pandemic among vulnerable groups in the MENA [Middle East and North Africa] region.
In partnership with the UNCHR, TBHF also organised the fifth edition of the annual Sharjah International Award for Refugee Advocacy and Support (SIARA). The event reflects the vision of Dr Sheikh Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi and his wife Sheikha Jawaher bint Mohammed Al Qasimi in recognising the paramount humanitarian contributions in refugee advocacy, support and community building.
During the ceremony, the Foundation Nairobi-based humanitarian agency, RefuSHE, which aided the necessary needs of child and girl-focused refugee services in Kenya. The agency was granted with the Dh500,000 SIARA 2021 award for its praise-worthy efforts.
Furthermore, a Dh1.1 million grant was presented to three non-profit organisations in collaboration with NAMA Women Advancement to honour their outstanding efforts in the field. The three non-profits are the International Network for Aid Relief and Assistance (INARA) which has been working for forcibly displaced children and youth in Lebanon and Turkey; the Lotus Flower, which implements innovative projects to economically empowers vulnerable women and girls; and RefuSHE
Sharjah Government Communication Awards
During the eighth edition of the Sharjah Government Communication Awards, TBHF won in the Best Crisis Response category for its ‘Salam Beirut’ initiative. The initiative was launched after the catastrophic explosion in the Lebanese capital of Beirut with the aim of deploying effective emergency relief measures and offering support to people impacted by the tragedy in partnership with various regional and international partners.
Agility in crisis management
TBHF Director Mariam Al Hammadi, Director affirmed that last year TBHF ensured the continuity of its humanitarian efforts under the vision of Dr Al Qasssimi. These efforts are aimed at helping vulnerable and displaced populations in alleviating their hardships and sufferings.
"The Foundation enriched its projects and programmes and its partner networks locally and around the world, with a focus on long-term sustainable projects in vital sectors including health care, education, vocational empowerment," Al Hammadi added.
SOURCE: Gulf News