Latest news with #SCFA
Web Release
4 days ago
- General
- Web Release
Sharjah Ruler gifts University of Sacred Heart historical manuscript
His Highness Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, presented a rare original historical manuscript to the Catholic University of the Sacred Heart in Milan, Italy, in the presence, Her Highness Sheikha Jawaher bint Mohammed Al Qasimi, Wife of His Highness the Ruler of Sharjah, Chairperson of the Supreme Council for Family Affairs (SCFA). The manuscript dates back to August 14 , 1624, and includes a papal decree written by Pope Urban VIII and sealed in the Church of Santa Maria Maggiore in Rome. Additionally, His Highness gifted his book 'Papal Bull' in both Arabic and English at the university's premises. In his speech, His Highness the Ruler of Sharjah expressed his gratitude and appreciation to the Rector and members of the Catholic University of the Sacred Heart in Milan for their warm welcome. His Highness spoke about the manuscript he gifted to the university, which dates back to August 14 , 1624, highlighting that it is a papal decree written by Pope Urban VIII and sealed in the Church of Santa Maria Maggiore. The purpose of the decree was to raise financial assistance for the Portuguese fleet. His Highness the Ruler of Sharjah discussed the conflict between the Portuguese and the English in Hormuz, stating, 'In 1622, the Portuguese were expelled from Hormuz at the entrance to the Arabian Gulf from the Persian coast, where they had occupied it for one hundred and fifteen years, by English and Persian forces. The mission of the Portuguese leaders, along with the priests, was evangelization, whether in Hormuz, Persia, or India.' His Highness added, 'After the English expelled the Portuguese from Hormuz in Persia, King Philip of Portugal sought to retake Hormuz. However, the Portuguese government lacked the financial resources to send a military campaign for its recovery. King Philip requested financial support from the clergy, which led Pope Urban VIII to issue a papal decree to collect the necessary funds from the churches.' His Highness the Ruler of Sharjah explained that he translated and studied this decree, tracking the funds collected through the churches, which amounted to two hundred thousand cruzados, a Portuguese gold currency at the time. The goal was to build a fleet and send it to India to retake Hormuz. His Highness noted that the fleet required a special type of large ship capable of crossing oceans, which would take considerable time, along with a sailing journey from Portugal to India that would last several months. His Highness indicated that King Philip ordered the funds to be sent to India to build a local fleet there, due to the short distance between India and Hormuz. He explained that the details of this fleet and its armament are mentioned in the book 'Papal Bull ' that he authored, as well as the account of its journey to the battle site in Hormuz against the English and Dutch forces, culminating in the defeat of the Portuguese fleet. His Highness the Ruler of Sharjah received a commemorative gift from the Rector of the Catholic University of the Sacred Heart, which was an original 3D map of the city of Milan dating back to 1657.
The Citizen
02-05-2025
- General
- The Citizen
Fly anglers tie things up
The South Coast Fly Anglers (SCFA) recently held their annual awards ceremony hosted by Stephen and Olga Brand at their farm near Trafalgar. Prizegiving was a somewhat raucous event, with good natured heckling and harassing being the order of the day. The club thanked the various sponsors, too numerous to mention, for their invaluable contributions during the year. SCFA is a relatively small but active fly fishing and fly tying club, with members ageing from their teens to late 80s, from all backgrounds and abilities. They all share a love for 'the gentle sport' as it is referred to by some. Those who are only interested in tying flies, either as a recognised art form or for their own use, are also welcome to join the club and can attend the monthly fly tying sessions under expert guidance. Monthly club activities include a meeting on the last Thursday of the month at the Umtentweni Tennis Club. The members also enjoy one salt water and one fresh water fishing outing, plus a fly tying evening where expert instruction is given on tying the salt and fresh water fly of the month. There are regular longer outings to various salt and fresh water venues, generally in KZN, but also as far afield as the Richtersveld in the Northern Cape on the Orange River. RESULTS Most meritorious fish (international): Liam van der Merwe, with a 99cm giant trevally. Liam van der Merwe, for a permit of 68cm. Most meritorious fish (local): This was a new award, given posthumously to the late Stan Park, for his 3,1kg rainbow trout caught at Mountain Lake near Matatiele. Most prolific angler: Neil Scott recorded 135 fish caught during the year. He also walked away with the saltwater fly-tyer of the year and the freshwater fly-tyer of the year awards. Merit certificates: Liam van der Merwe for the most international species caught. His nine species included moustache trigger fish, yellow margin trigger fish, blacktip kingfish, giant kingfish, permit, bonefish and puffer fish, as well as chisel mouth and Natal yellow fish, known as the Natal scalie. John New for most local species caught. His seven species included small mouth yellowfish, rainbow trout, bass, tilapia, flagtail, thornfish and moonie. Surprisingly, wave garrick do not appear on either of these lists. Merit award: Mark Rose for his first bass caught on fly. Foul Hook trophy: Arthur Cary for capsizing his kick-boat at Sterkfontein Dam! Chris van Wyk chairman award: Brand Family for their outstanding service to the club. HAVE YOUR SAY Like the South Coast Herald's Facebook page, follow us on Twitter and Instagram At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
Sharjah 24
02-05-2025
- Health
- Sharjah 24
SCFA discusses strengthening the social and family work system
During the visit, ways to advance the social and family work system in the UAE were discussed through a strategic partnership that goes beyond traditional coordination to the stage of creating a real impact. Distinguished attendance The meeting was attended by Sheikha Jawaher bint Abdullah Al Qasimi, Director General of the Rubu' Qarn Foundation for Creating Future Leaders and Innovators; Her Excellency Moudi Al Shamsi, Head of the Family Development Department (FDD) and its Branches; Her Excellency Iman Rashid Saif, Director General of SCFA Health Promotion Department; Her Excellency Hanadi Al Yafei, Director General of the Child Safety Department; Her Excellency Mona Al Hawai, Chairperson of the Board of Directors of the Friends of Kidney Patients Association; and a number of representatives from the Ministry and the Council's departments. Initiatives and achievements The meeting included a review of the most important initiatives being implemented by SCFA departments and their most notable achievements, including the establishment of the Family Court, the launch of the Family Strategy in the Emirate of Sharjah, the "Kanaf" Child Protection Centre, and the Literary Association. It also highlighted the role of health-supporting associations in spreading health awareness. The importance of integration The two sides discussed ways of cooperation and emphasised the importance of integration between the local and federal sectors in the United Arab Emirates, as a fundamental pillar for strengthening work in the social sector and achieving sustainable development in society. Through integration, efforts are unified, and resources are directed strategically and effectively to support various segments of society. Sharjah: A proud model of institutional and social work Her Excellency Sana bint Mohammed Suhail explained that she was honoured to meet with the leaders of SCFA in Sharjah, where she found an outstanding model of institutional and social work that embodies the UAE's vision of empowering families and strengthening their cohesion and sustainability. Her Excellency added that cooperation with SCFA reflects the directives of the wise leadership to build strategic partnerships that advance social work to more effective and innovative horizons, and establish a new phase of coordination and integration in serving families and society. She confirmed that the Ministry of Family is committed to continuing to develop qualitative initiatives and strengthen supportive legislation and policies, which will consolidate family stability, protect the social fabric, and prepare generations capable of preserving national identity and confidently moving toward the future. The Ministry's strategic direction and national priorities Her Excellency Sana bint Mohammed Suhail also reviewed the Ministry's strategic direction, national priorities, and key implementation milestones during the first year of its establishment, as well as its qualitative initiatives. These initiatives focus on developing and implementing policies, strategies, and legislation that contribute to building stable and cohesive families, enhancing their role in sound upbringing, consolidating national identity, and disseminating positive values and behaviours in society. An integrated system of social care Her Excellency Moudi Al Shamsi stated that this visit contributes to achieving an integrated system of social care that reflects a commitment to placing people at the heart of development. This supports the directives of Her Highness Sheikha Jawaher bint Mohammed Al Qasimi, Wife of His Highness the Ruler of Sharjah and Chairperson of the Supreme Council for Family Affairs. This cooperation contributes to having a positive impact on the lives of individuals by providing a just and socially safe environment, leading to a cohesive family and a cohesive society. Health is the foundation of societal stability Her Excellency Iman Rashid Saif explained that health is not a luxury or an option, but rather the foundation of societal stability and the focus of true empowerment for individuals and families. This partnership supports the efforts of the department and health-supporting associations, represented by the Breastfeeding Friends Association, the Diabetes Friends Association, Friends of Arthritis Patients Association, and the Kidney Patients' Friends Association, in spreading awareness and promoting daily healthy behaviours. She confirmed that cooperation will create a more aware, resilient, and resilient society that is stronger in the face of disease. An integrated protection wall around every child Her Excellency Hanadi Al Yafei emphasised the constant endeavour to build an integrated protection wall around every child, based on the Health Promotion Department goal to achieving an informed society and a safe child. The Department also believes that child protection is a societal responsibility, and through the Department mission, it seeks to raise awareness among all members of society about the importance of protecting children from neglect, abuse, and exploitation, to ensure they grow up in cohesive families that guarantee their rights and prepare them to become the leaders of tomorrow. Culture is a stronghold for protecting national identity Latifa Al Darmaki, SCFA Deputy Head of the Cultural and Media Office, said that culture is a stronghold for protecting national identity and promoting authentic family values. This cooperation aims to strengthen the presence of the Emirati family as a conscious, visionary force capable of interacting with changes with confidence without losing its roots. This is achieved through qualitative cultural projects that address all family members and instill authentic values in them. A cultural landscape reinforced by values is the cornerstone for building balanced, educated generations at peace with themselves and their society. A strategic step The visit is a strategic step that establishes a new phase of joint institutional work towards building a cohesive family community equipped with empowering tools, armed with knowledge, and fortified with values.
Sharjah 24
01-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Sharjah 24
SCFA honours winners of Sharjah Gulf Women Creativity Award
Strengthening fraternal bonds between peoples In an audio recording broadcast in the ceremony hall, Her Highness said: "My sisters, writers and creatives, we welcome you to the Emirate of Sharjah, a land that cultivated knowledge and reaped culture and creativity. Today, we embrace you to celebrate your winning of the 7th Sharjah Gulf Women Creativity Award (SGWCA). Her Highness emphasised that SGWCA's goal goes beyond being a culmination of the efforts of creative women in literature and culture. Rather, it is a means for women of literary creativity to come together in an annual event that strengthens the fraternal bonds between their peoples and reinforces the authentic values shared by our peoples over time. Honouring Dr. Saeeda bint Khater Al Farsi Her Highness continued: "Today, I congratulate our creative winners in the fields of poetry, children's literature, and literary studies. This crowning achievement will mark a significant turning point in your careers and a true motivation to continue enriching the Gulf cultural scene. I also congratulate Dr. Saeeda bint Khater Al Farsi from the sisterly Sultanate of Oman, who deservedly received the Cultural Personality Award for this year's edition. She has worked to build a profound career in research, study, and creativity, in addition to social work. She has also reflected the honourable image of Gulf women and culture in general, and Omani culture in particular. May God protect and care for you and make you a source of pride for your peoples and homelands. I wish you a pleasant stay in your second home, the United Arab Emirates." The ceremony was attended by Her Excellency Noura Al Noman, Chairperson of the Executive Office of the wife of His Highness the Ruler of Sharjah, Her Highness Sheikha Jawaher bint Mohammed Al Qasimi; Her Excellency Salha Ghabish, Cultural Advisor and Head of the Cultural Office at SCFA in Sharjah; Counselor Razzaq Khalif Mansour Al Saidi from the Embassy of the Republic of Iraq in the United Arab Emirates; and a number of community members and sponsors. Honouring the winners Her Excellency Noura Al Noman and Her Excellency Salha Ghabish presented the honorary shields to the winners: Dr. Sabah bint Abdul Karim Issawi from Saudi Arabia, winner of the award in the field of critical studies; Dr. Nadia Hanawi Saadoun from Iraq; and Sumaya Ali Raheef from Iraq, winner of the Jury Prize for her study. In the field of classical poetry, Dr. Dalal bint Bandar Al Maliki and Afaf bint Hussein Al Harbi from Saudi Arabia won. In the Children's Literature - Short Story category, Badriya bint Mohammed Al Badri from the Sultanate of Oman and Maryam Khalifa Al Shehhi from the United Arab Emirates won the Jury Prize, while Nada Ahmed Fardan from the Kingdom of Bahrain won the Jury Prize. Dr. Saida bint Khater Al Farsi from the Sultanate of Oman was also honoured for winning the Cultural Personality of the Year Award. The ceremony concluded with a symposium titled "Us and the Other: Cultural and Human Dimensions," presented by Dr. Saida bint Khater Al Fassi, Dr. Sabah bint Abdul Karim Issawi, and Dr. Nadia Saadoun. The discussion was moderated by writer Salha Obaid, and opinions and interventions varied.
Sharjah 24
28-04-2025
- Health
- Sharjah 24
"Breastfeeding Friends" honours 30 mothers
The ceremony was attended by Her Excellency Engineer Khawla Abdulaziz Al Noman, Head of Breastfeeding Friends, members of the Board of Directors, members of the Mothers' Selection and Eligibility Committee, and a number of honoured mothers. The ceremony honoured 30 inspiring mothers from various backgrounds, in recognition of their contributions to the journey of exclusive breastfeeding for two years, or for overcoming health and social challenges, in addition to breastfeeding mothers. Sharjah.. a Child-Friendly City Her Excellency Engineer Khawla Al Noman emphasised that honouring expresses the association's appreciation for mothers' efforts in adopting the option of breastfeeding, which is fundamental to children's physical, psychological, and emotional health, and based on the Emirate of Sharjah's vision as a child-friendly city, the association seeks to realise this vision, extending its efforts to include various cities in the United Arab Emirates, in support of the UAE efforts to promote the concept of sustainable family care. Supporting Maternal and Child Health Al Noman noted that the celebration coincides with this year's World Health Day theme, 'Healthy beginnings, hopeful futures', highlighting the importance of supporting maternal and child health in building strong and sustainable societies. Al Noman expressed her deep gratitude to Her Highness Sheikha Jawaher bint Mohammed Al Qasimi, Chairperson of SCFA, and Her Highness Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi, Honorary President of the Association, for their continuous support of motherhood and childhood and their pioneering initiatives in promoting family health. Inspiring Stories and Real-Life Experiences The ceremony featured inspiring stories and experiences of mothers who were able to overcome multiple challenges—from breastfeeding after facing difficulties and their own health conditions to dealing with premature babies—sending messages of strength and determination to all those present. At the conclusion of the ceremony, the Mother's Medal and certificates of appreciation were distributed to mothers amid an atmosphere filled with pride and gratitude, affirming the Association's mission to highlight the role of mothers in raising healthy and well generations. Supporting Mothers and Promoting Community Health Breastfeeding Friends was established as one of the health-supporting associations affiliated with the Health Promotion Department. The Health Promotion Department at SCFA aims to spread the culture of breastfeeding, provide awareness and psychological support to mothers, and encourage them to make the natural choice in feeding their children. Raising Breastfeeding Rates The association seeks to raise breastfeeding rates in the community through training programmes, awareness campaigns, and direct support for mothers, believing that breastfeeding is the cornerstone of a healthier and more emotionally connected society. The association believes that "Supporting your natural choice" is not just a slogan, but an ongoing commitment to empowering mothers and promoting a culture of natural care that prioritises the health of the child and family.
