Big Heart Foundation distributes over Dhs31m in 12 countries

Gulf Today, Staff Reporter

In line with its mandate to safeguard and empower marginalised populations in vulnerable situations around the world, The Big Heart Foundation (TBHF), a UAE-based global humanitarian organisation, has provided support worth more than Dhs31 million through 28 multi-sectoral projects during 2021 which have touched the lives of more than 590,000 people across 12 countries impacted by conflict, natural disasters and the ongoing global health crisis.

By supporting 5 vital sectors such as education, healthcare, humanitarian aid and emergency relief as well as protection and livelihood, TBHF’s international philanthropic response has helped rehabilitate underprivileged people who have been forcibly displaced due to conflicts, social ills, and/or natural disasters, in their respective countries, under the directives of His Highness Dr. Sheikh Sultan Bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, and his wife Her Highness 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).

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The country-wise break-up of TBHF’s funding for projects in 2021 is: Lebanon, Dhs12,159,211, Palestine, Dhs9,195,000; Egypt, Dhs2,603,079; Jordan, Dhs 2,221,512; Mauritania, Dhs1,839,000; UAE, Dhs1,346,940; Iraq, Dhs701,700; Bangladesh, Dhs 372,122; Kenya, Dhs367,800; Turkey, Dhs183,900; Somaliland, Dhs150,000; and Sudan, Dhs150,000.

A series of development projects implemented by TBHF in 2021 are helping bridge gaps in five vital sectors and fulfilling the urgent needs of communities in the target countries, which brought fundamental change in the lives of refugees and displaced. Most notable projects include:

Humanitarian aid and emergency relief

From providing emergency medical services to those injured in conflict zones and assisting with surgical and mental health support to providing protective winter clothing, safe and nutritious food, repair of homes using durable treated bamboo, and supply of food parcels and hygiene kits, TBHF funded Dhs5,153,856 to meet the humanitarian aid and emergency relief of 8,506 beneficiaries across six countries.

Its various partners included UNHCR in Lebanon and Bangladesh, Penny Appeal in Jordan and Iraq, MSF and Welfare Association in Palestine, and MEK in Egypt.

Five countries – Jordan, Kenya, Lebanon, Egypt and the UAE receivedDhs7,826,631 to develop a reading culture and foster a love of books and learning under TBHF’s goal of empowering 14,180 young generations through education, including those impacted by the disruption of formal and non-formal education during the pandemic.

TBHF’s partners in improving both the school learning environment and outcomes in these countries included We Love Reading, Refushe, UNICEF, MEK, and Rawafed Development and Learning Center.

Protection

Through TBHF’s Dhs4,045,800 for provision of specialised protection intervention of 40,100 beneficiaries in Lebanon, Turkey and Mauritania, conflict impacted children and adults with specific needs received significant physical and mental health support, leading to positive outcomes on the wellbeing of the beneficiaries. TBHF partnered with INARA and UNHCR for these projects.

TBHF’s approach to improving the livelihoods of vulnerable communities led to the funding of Dhs4,005,800 to develop five projects in three countries in partnership with two major partners benefiting 2,260 lives.

In collaboration with The Lotus Flower in Iraq, TBHF economically empowered almost 2,000 women with financial support and business mentorship.

TBHF’s approach to improving the livelihoods of vulnerable communities.

TBHF’s intervention in Lebanon with UNDP enabled 90 youth led businesses gain access to a local helpdesk and online platform for general guidance and training.

In Palestine, in collaboration with UNDP, TBHF promoted sustainable livelihood through youth entrepreneurship programmes for 15 scalable youth ventures in high growth sectors while 50 MSMEs were provided access to helpdesk services.

TBHF honoured Nairobi-based humanitarian agency, RefuSHE, which addresses the significant, unmet need for child and girl-focused refugee services in Kenya, with the Dhs500,000 SIARA 2021 award.

In the eighth edition of the Sharjah Government Communication Awards, TBHF was honoured as the winner in the Best Crisis Response category for its ‘Salam Beirut’ initiative, announced shortly after the tragic explosion in the Lebanese capital.

Mariam Al Hammadi, Director of TBHF, said: “In 2021, TBHF continued its humanitarian journey under the vision of His Highness Dr. Sheikh Sultan Bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, to help alleviate the hardship and suffering of vulnerable and displaced populations around the world. The Foundation enriched its projects and programmes."