Latest news with #SSEF
Al Etihad
03-06-2025
- General
- Al Etihad
SSEF promotes waqf project ‘Neighbours of the Prophet'
3 June 2025 10:30 SHARJAH (WAM) The Sharjah Social Empowerment Foundation (SSEF) recently conducted awareness visits to several government entities across Sharjah to promote the waqf project 'Neighbours of the Prophet' and strengthen community visits aimed to highlight the waqf initiative, which focuses on supporting and empowering orphans while ensuring sustainable charitable tours included fruitful meetings with officials and staff, where the project's goals were presented, its role in reviving the waqf tradition was emphasised, and its contribution to the foundation's broader empowerment and care programmes for beneficiaries was of the SSEF, Mona bin Hadda Al Suwaidi, said, 'We are pleased with the positive response from the entities that welcomed the project 'Neighbours of the Prophet'. We believe such engagement reflects the collective commitment needed to build strategic partnerships supporting our social mission. This project is more than just a charitable endowment; it is an extension of prophetic values in caring for fatherless children.''Through it, we seek to provide sustainable support sources that guarantee a dignified life and equal opportunities for our beneficiaries. The tour is part of a wider promotional and awareness campaign to introduce the community to the waqf project and invite individuals and organisations to contribute, recognising its profound impact on empowering young people and shaping their future.'Chairman of the Department of Municipal Affairs, Eng. Omar Khalfan Al Shamsi, underlined the importance of supporting community initiatives and praised the waqf project launched by the foundation. Al Shamsi explained that the project reflects a comprehensive developmental waqf vision consistent with Sharjah's aspirations for sustainable charity. It reinforces the role of waqf as an effective tool to support vulnerable of the Department of Municipal Affairs, Sheikh Engineer Mohammed bin Abdullah Al Qasimi, expressed his appreciation for the project and reaffirmed the department's full and ongoing support for the foundation's noble mission towards orphans, contributing to building a more stable and empowered future for Secretary-General of the Sharjah Media Council, Hessa Abdullah Al Hammadi, affirmed that hosting the project reflects the council's ongoing commitment to supporting community initiatives with sustainable impact. She highlighted that the project embodies solidarity values and represents a high humanitarian vision in caring for and empowering of Government Communication at the Sharjah Department of Town Planning and Survey, Hamad Sultan Al Owais, said that hosting the waqf initiative stems from the department's dedication to supporting community and charitable initiatives that promote solidarity and compassion among society 'Neighbours of the Prophet' project is one of the Sharjah Social Empowerment Foundation's waqf aims to provide sustainable support sources for caring for and empowering the foundation's beneficiaries in the emirate. The project's name draws inspiration from the Prophet Muhammad's (peace be upon him) saying, 'I and the one who sponsors an orphan will be in Paradise like this,' illustrating closeness to the Prophet through sponsoring orphans and meeting their needs.
Sharjah 24
26-05-2025
- General
- Sharjah 24
SSEF empowers orphans through academic support
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.
Sharjah 24
22-05-2025
- Health
- Sharjah 24
SSEF offers free eye examinations to members
As part of SSEF ongoing efforts to provide comprehensive support and care for orphans, the foundation has partnered with Al Jaber Optical to provide free eye examinations for more than 100 of its members. Comprehensive Examinations The collaboration includes conducting comprehensive eye examinations in the centre's mobile bus, providing visual consultations and treatment recommendations for cases requiring optical intervention, and providing eyeglasses for beneficiaries with visual impairment. Building Effective Partnerships Nawal Al Hammadi, Director of the Social Welfare Department at SSEF, emphasised the Foundation's commitment to building effective partnerships with private sector institutions to support and empower its members in various health, educational, psychological, social, and other areas. Al Hammadi added that SSEF collaboration with Al Jaber Optical embodies this approach within the health sector, allowing the foundation to meet the vital needs of a significant segment of members who suffer from vision problems that may impact their academic achievement and daily lives. A Series of New Initiatives Al Hammadi expressed the Foundation's pride in this ongoing collaboration with the healthcare sector supporting SSEF members through their social solidarity with the Foundation. Al Hammadi called on all members of society to follow their example, creating a series of new initiatives that serve an important segment of society and have a tangible impact on their lives. Strengthening the Private Sector's Role in Providing Aid Ahmed Abdullah Jaber Balshalat, Executive Director of Al Jaber Optical, said that Al Jaber Optical is pleased to partner with SSEF to participate in the campaign to provide eye examination services to families affiliated with the Foundation for the fourth consecutive time. This is to strengthen the role of the private sector in providing assistance and support in community services." Ahmed Abdullah Jaber Balshalat added that Al Jaber Optical participation focuses on providing eye examination services and free eyeglasses to people with poor vision through Al Jaber Optical's mobile eye examination bus. Providing Necessary Support to All Community Groups Jaber continued, stating that Al Jaber Optical is a leading Emirati company in the field of optics and is always keen to provide the necessary support to all community groups, who are an essential part of building society within the United Arab Emirates. Promoting Public Health This initiative is part of SSEF healthcare programmes, which seek to promote public health and provide the best healthcare that enables fatherless people to grow and develop in appropriate conditions.
BreakingNews.ie
14-05-2025
- Business
- BreakingNews.ie
Kashmir sapphire, originally valued €8,000 to €12,000, sells for €550,000 at Dublin auction
An extremely rare Kashmir sapphire has sold at auction in Dublin for €550,000 – the 'highest price ever seen' in Ireland for a gem of its kind and almost 70 times its original estimated value. The highly sought-after sapphire on a ring – originally estimated to be valued at between €8,000 and €12,000 – was brought to auction in Adam's auction house by a French woman who did not want to be identified. Advertisement Claire-Laurence Mestrallet, head of the jewellery and watch department at Adam's, had the sapphire and diamond ring tested in a lab specialising in identifying gems. To her surprise, the stone was identified as a Kashmir sapphire, with the estimate rising up to €150,000. Ms Mestrallet sought further confirmation of the stone's origin, having it tested at the world-renowned Swiss Gemological Institute (SSEF) which found it was a high-quality Kashmir sapphire. She said the sapphire ring generated 'wide international interest' due to its rarity and a large number of prospective buyers 'flew in to view it'. Advertisement 'This is the highest price ever seen in Ireland for such a ring, and the most spent on a piece of jewellery so far this year here,' Ms Mestrallet said. 'It is a really rare sapphire. There were a lot of bidders online, on the phones and in the room, so the bidding was frenetic.' The ring was sold to an international agent bidding in person so Ms Mestrallet said she did not know yet whether it would be staying in Ireland or going overseas. The ring carried a 25 per cent sales commission of €130,000. Advertisement 'Kashmir sapphires have tripled in value in the last decade and this Kashmir sapphire and diamond ring is part of a private collection of eight pieces, which the French seller inherited from her parents,' said Ms Mestrallet. Kashmir sapphires are prized for their unique colour and texture – a vivid and well saturated blue sometimes described as cornflower blue with a slightly velvety appearance – and their rarity. The gems were first found in 1881 when a landslide in the Zanskar mountains – a remote Himalayan area in northern India – exposed a 30m-wide (100ft) area of pegmatitic rock with blue crystals. Locals began to trade the stones for salt. By 1882, the blue gemstones had reached Delhi and other areas of India. Sapphires have been a symbol of power, strength and wise judgment for centuries.
Irish Times
14-05-2025
- Business
- Irish Times
Kashmir sapphire originally valued at €8,000 to €12,000 sells at auction in Dublin for €550,000
An extremely rare Kashmir sapphire has sold at auction in Dublin for €550,000 – the 'highest price ever seen' in Ireland for a gem of its kind and almost 70 times its original estimated value. The highly sought-after sapphire on a ring – originally estimated to be valued at between €8,000 and €12,000 – was brought to auction in Adam's auction house by a French woman who did not want to be identified. Claire-Laurence Mestrallet, head of the jewellery and watch department at Adam's, had the sapphire and diamond ring tested in a lab specialising in identifying gems. To her surprise, the stone was identified as a Kashmir sapphire, with the estimate rising up to €150,000 and €200,000. READ MORE Ms Mestrallet sought further confirmation of the stone's origin, having it tested at the world-renowned Swiss Gemological Institute (SSEF) which found it was a high-quality Kashmir sapphire. She said the sapphire ring generated 'wide international interest' due to its rarity and a large number of prospective buyers 'flew in to view it'. 'This is the highest price ever seen in Ireland for such a ring, and the most spent on a piece of jewellery so far this year here,' Ms Mestrallet said. 'It is a really rare sapphire. There were a lot of bidders online, on the phones and in the room, so the bidding was frenetic.' The ring was sold to an international agent bidding in person so Ms Mestrallet said she did not know yet whether it would be staying in Ireland or going overseas. The ring carried a 25 per cent sales commission of €130,000. 'Kashmir sapphires have tripled in value in the last decade and this Kashmir sapphire and diamond ring is part of a private collection of eight pieces, which the French seller inherited from her parents,' said Ms Mestrallet. Kashmir sapphires are prized for their unique colour and texture – a vivid and well saturated blue sometimes described as cornflower blue with a slightly velvety appearance – and their rarity. The gems were first found in 1881 when a landslide in the Zanskar mountains – a remote Himalayan area in northern India – exposed a 30m-wide (100ft) area of pegmatitic rock with blue crystals. Locals began to trade the stones for salt. By 1882, the blue gemstones had reached Delhi and other areas of India. Sapphires have been a symbol of power, strength and wise judgment for centuries.
