Latest news with #Taawon
Observer
22-05-2025
- General
- Observer
Taawon concludes Volunteer Media Passport programme
The Omani Volunteer Network 'Taawon' concluded the closing ceremony of the 'Volunteer Media Passport' programme for the year 2025, under the auspices of Dr Aisha al Ghabshi, Member of the State Council. The programme was aimed at training and empowering Omani youth in the fields of digital and volunteer media; and was attended by a distinguished group of media professionals and volunteers. The ceremony included the honouring of participants who successfully completed the programme, which offered both practical and theoretical training in volunteer digital media skills, content creation, photography and media production. This contributed to enhancing their capabilities and strengthening their role in serving the community through media platforms. In his speech during the ceremony, a representative of the Omani Volunteer Network "Taawon" highlighted the importance of volunteer media in conveying positive messages and spreading community awareness, praising the commitment and efforts of the volunteers throughout the programme. This first edition of the programme comes as part of Taawon's efforts to enhance the abilities of Omani youth and activate their role in achieving community development through digital media tools, in alignment with Oman Vision 2040.
Sharjah 24
20-03-2025
- General
- Sharjah 24
Sultan bin Ahmed participates in "Clothing for Olive Children"
Purpose of the "Clothing for Olive Children" Initiative The "Clothing for Olive Children," launched by Her Highness Sheikha Jawaher bint Mohammed Al Qasimi, wife of the Ruler of Sharjah, Chairperson of The Big Heart Foundation, and Eminent Advocate for Refugee Children at the UNHCR, seeks to raise zakat and charity funds during Ramadan. The campaign aims to provide essential support and care for orphaned children in the Gaza Strip, addressing the urgent humanitarian crisis faced by those who have lost their parents and are struggling without a breadwinner or support. Overview of the initiative and goals His Highness, The Big Heart Foundation's Humanitarian Envoy, received an overview of the initiative's goals, the process for packing and preparing boxes with children's supplies, and the efforts of the relevant authorities to ensure the timely delivery of new clothing and essentials to the children of Gaza, bringing joy and happiness to their hearts. Contents of the boxes for children His Highness was briefed on the contents of the boxes, which are designed for children aged birth to 18 years, catering to both boys and girls. The boys' box includes a jacket, shirt, pants, underwear, socks, and shoes, while the girls' box contains a dress, jacket, shirt, pants, underwear, socks, and shoes. The clothing provided is tailored to respect the beneficiaries' customs and traditions, while also considering the local climate to ensure the children's comfort and well-being. Process of packing the boxes His Highness, the Humanitarian Envoy of The Big Heart Foundation, along with the attendees, observed the process of packing the boxes, which began with receiving a card that detailed the child's age, gender, and a list of the required clothing. The next step involved filling the box with age-appropriate children's supplies and clothing based on the information on the card. Once the items were packed and matched the specified list, the box was sealed. Additionally, His Highness wrote heartfelt words on the accompanying card, sending a message of hope and love to the orphans of Gaza, making the experience even more meaningful and impactful for the recipients. Invitation for volunteers and donors The Big Heart Foundation, in collaboration with Taawon, Majid Al Futtaim Group, and Operation Gallant Knight, is organising an initiative from March 20 to 26. The foundation invites volunteers and donors to help prepare 20,000 boxes of in-kind assistance for orphaned children in Gaza. Box-packing sessions will be held daily from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. and again from 8 p.m. to 11 p.m. Call for donations and personalised contributions The Big Heart Foundation invites community members, businesses, institutions, and government agencies to support the "Clothing for Olive Children" initiative by volunteering and donating AED 200, the cost of providing essential supplies for one orphaned child. Donations can be made through various channels, including the official website, text messages, bank transfers, and online fundraising platforms such as "YallaGive." The initiative's website also offers sponsors and donors the opportunity to personalise their contributions, decorate boxes, and write heartfelt messages to the children, adding a special and meaningful touch to their support.
The National
19-03-2025
- General
- The National
UAE organisation aims to help support 20,000 orphans in Gaza
Live updates: Follow the latest on Israel-Gaza A UAE organisation has launched a programme aiming to help provide long-term support for 20,000 orphans in Gaza. The Big Heart Foundation is asking residents and companies to support a Palestinian orphan by donating from Dh625 per month up to Dh75,000 for 10 years of assistance through its 'For Gaza' scheme. Donors can commit to monthly, annual, five-year or 10-year payments under a structured sponsorship model. The details were revealed during a charity suhoor held at the Sharjah Research, Technology and Innovation Park on Monday, in the presence of philanthropists, business leaders and representatives from the humanitarian sector. The programme is part of the Palestinian Taawon Welfare Association's Noor campaign, which aims to raise $377 million to provide access to education, health care, psychological support and other essential services for orphaned children in Gaza. 'Our approach is rooted in sustainability. We do not deduct administrative fees from donations, ensuring that every dirham reaches those in need,' said Alya Al Musaiebi, director of the foundation. 'This is a testament to our values and our promise to the generous donors who believe in this cause, to restore hope to children who lost their families and dreams amid the war and suffering.' Children will receive not just financial aid, but structured support that fosters stability, education and psychological well-being. An Eid Clothing Initiative is also part of the campaign, enabling donors to contribute Dh200 to provide new clothes for orphans, ensuring they can celebrate with dignity and joy. Taawon's expertise, built through decades of experience in Gaza, ensures that aid reaches those in need efficiently and transparently. 'Building on our experience in development and humanitarian programmes, we have structured the Noor initiative to support Gaza's orphans comprehensively,' said Dr Tareq Emtairah, director general of Taawon. 'With the foundation as a strategic partner, we are scaling our efforts to provide long-term stability, ensuring that these children not only survive but thrive.' In October 2024, the UN children's agency Unicef estimated there were up to 18,000 orphans in the Gaza Strip after more than a year of fighting between Israel and Hamas, many of them without any family members. The For Gaza campaign calls upon philanthropists, businesses, civil society and individuals to take part in shaping a better future for them. Donors can contribute through bank transfer to Sharjah Islamic Bank, cheque payments to the foundation headquarters, cash donations, online contributions or by SMS. Support one orphan for Dh625 for a month, Dh7,500 for a year, Dh37,000 for five years and Dh75,000 for 10 years.
Sharjah 24
19-03-2025
- General
- Sharjah 24
TBHF calls on community to support 20,000 orphans in Gaza
This message was reinforced at a charity Suhoor held on Monday evening at the Sharjah Research, Technology, and Innovation Park, bringing together philanthropists, business leaders, and humanitarian organisations to mobilise resources and advocate for sustained support. The event featured panel discussions and keynote speeches highlighting the power of collaborative action in addressing the crisis. An art exhibition by University of Sharjah students further strengthened the campaign, raising AED 90,000 to support Gaza's orphaned children. Goodness never stops, and solidarity remains unbreakable The Suhoor began with a speech by Obaid Al Musaiebi, Director of TBHF, who highlighted that the "Salam Ya Seghar" campaign, launched 17 years ago, was the first initiative introduced by Her Highness Sheikha Jawaher bint Mohammed Al Qasimi, Wife of the Ruler of Sharjah and Chairperson of TBHF. This campaign laid the foundation for a lasting humanitarian commitment to Palestinian children: "Today, this commitment remains strong, reflected in real, tangible actions that restore hope to every child who has lost their family and dreams amidst the devastation of war and suffering." Al Musaiebi added: "What distinguishes TBHF is its policy of not deducting administrative fees from donations or Zakat funds. We believe that every dirham contributed by generous donors should reach those in need in its entirety. This principle is rooted in our humanitarian and social values, inspired by our faith, and reinforced by the vision of our wise leadership. We see this as an unwavering pledge and a responsibility that we uphold with sincerity and integrity, ensuring that all aid is delivered fully." She continued: "As the people of Gaza endure immense hardship, we remain committed to our mission, working in partnership with Taawon to reaffirm that generosity knows no time limits and humanitarian duty does not diminish with the years; it only grows stronger as the need intensifies. We firmly believe that every contribution, no matter how modest, carries within it the promise of a new beginning for a child awaiting a glimmer of hope. More importantly, it sends a powerful message to the world that, as individuals and institutions, we can make a meaningful difference in the lives of those who need it most." Effective Development and Humanitarian Programmes For his part, Dr. Tareq Emtairah, Director General of Taawon Welfare Association, highlighted the organisation's vital role in implementing these initiatives in Gaza and ensuring that donations reach beneficiaries efficiently and transparently. He emphasised that the partnership with TBHF serves as a leading model for unifying humanitarian efforts to create a sustainable and meaningful impact in supporting orphans in Gaza. He said: "Drawing on our extensive experience in implementing effective development and humanitarian programmes, we at Taawon have developed the 'Noor' programme, a comprehensive initiative to support orphans in Gaza, which builds on our past experiences with the 'Wajd' and 'Mustaqbali' initiatives in 2009 and 2014. Today, through our strategic partnership with TBHF, we are committed to providing comprehensive and sustainable support to more than 20,000 orphans, ensuring they have a stable environment to overcome the effects of conflict, achieve personal development, and actively contribute to their communities. Our partnership reaffirms our commitment to creating lasting impact and strengthening long-term support mechanisms for the most vulnerable children." Strong collaboration to support humanitarian efforts The event welcomed Hind Al Huwaidi, Chief Development Officer at BEEAH Group, who highlighted the strategic role of the private sector in supporting humanitarian efforts and ensuring the sustainability of development initiatives. She emphasised that collaboration between charitable organisations and businesses serves as an effective model for unifying efforts and expanding impact, ultimately contributing to sustainable community development and a stronger response to the most pressing humanitarian needs. She said: "BEEAH Group takes great pride in its partnership with TBHF. Over the years, we have worked closely to support impactful humanitarian initiatives, culminating last year in a partnership agreement to strengthen charitable efforts and ensure support reaches the most vulnerable communities. During this holy month, we are honored to be part of the 'For Gaza' campaign, reflecting our shared commitment to providing essential care and support for orphaned children in Gaza, ensuring they receive the care they deserve." Panel discussion highlights the campaign and donation options As part of the charity Suhoor, TBHF organised a panel discussion titled 'For Gaza: Towards a Sustainable Future.' The session featured Mariam Al Sarkal, Head of Partnerships at TBHF, and the Director-General of Taawon, moderated by Tarek Sakik, content creator and founder of the Takhayaal podcast. The discussion explored the role of the For Gaza campaign in supporting orphans in Gaza and the mechanisms for efficiently and transparently distributing donations. It also reaffirmed the campaign's long-term commitment to orphan care while emphasising the importance of partnering with Taawon to implement support programmes effectively. Donation channels and options The For Gaza campaign offers various donation options, allowing individuals and companies to support orphans in Gaza. One month of sponsorship is available for AED 625, one year sponsorship for AED 7,500, a five-year sponsorship for AED 37,500, and a ten-year sponsorship for AED 75,000. Additionally, the campaign includes the Eid Clothing Initiative, enabling donors to bring joy to orphaned children by contributing AED 200. To facilitate participation, the campaign provides several donation channels, including bank transfers via Sharjah Islamic Bank (Account: 0011-430430-002), cheque payments to The Big Heart Foundation headquarters, cash donations at TBHF offices, online contributions via
Khaleej Times
18-03-2025
- General
- Khaleej Times
From day-old babies to children: How Sharjah has been helping Gaza's orphans
Baby Malak was just a few days old when she was found wrapped in a cloth, hanging from a tree in October 2023 in Gaza with no sign of her parents or family. Today, she has been adopted by a nurse and is living healthily in the city. Thousands of children in Gaza, including baby Malak, are benefitting from the work done by Sharjah's The Big Heart Foundation (TBHF). TBHF has partnered with Palestine-based Taawon (Welfare Association) to launch a campaign titled 'For Gaza' which aims to provide long-term care and essential services for over 20,000 orphaned children in the city. On Monday, the foundation held an event for philanthropists and community members to spread awareness about the campaign and invite them to donate for a good cause. Speaking to Khaleej Times on the sidelines of the event, Dr Tareq Emtairah, Director General of Taawon, explained that they were looking for long-term commitments from their donors. 'Any partner that joins us, ideally would sponsor a kid over five or ten years,' he said. 'This is so that we can create a sustainable support for these kids. If you take care of a kid for five years and abandon it later on, it is very dangerous. That's why we are very careful to make sure that we campaign for enough funding to support the children until they are 18 years." This came as Israeli strikes on various locations killed at least 300 people across the Gaza Strip on Tuesday, ending a weeks-long standoff over extending the ceasefire that halted fighting in January. Impact TBHF has been collaborating with Taawon since 2013 to help those in need in Palestine and has completed 11 projects, which has impact over one million people. Established in 1983, Taawon is one of the largest developmental organisations in Palestine. According to Dr Tareq, the association has managed to collect the details of more than 20,000 of the 35,000 orphaned children in Gaza. 'We have verified and registered them in our system,' he said. 'Over half of them are less than two years old and we consider them the most vulnerable. Our priority in the case of orphaned children is to find relatives or extended family members to raise them. We try to encourage local adoptions because we want the children of Gaza to stay there so that they can rebuild the city.' The campaign launched by Sheikha Jawaher bint Mohammed Al Qasimi, seeks to secure sustainable aid for over 2,000 children in the form of education, healthcare, psychological support, food, and shelter. Dr Tareq added that it cost $170 (approximately Dh625) to sponsor a child for a month in Gaza. 'The vocational training and education will cost about $69,' he said. 'Food and clothing costs about $50 and healthcare costs $30. The remaining goes into their mental and social care.' Art exhibition An art exhibition held on the sidelines of the event showed different parts of Gaza. Some painted glimmers of hope while others depicted the horrors of the ongoing war. Ranging from Dh2,500 to Dh35,000, the paintings were being sold to raise money for the campaign. Palestinian artist Rihab Saidam's piece titled the 'Mother of the Martyr' showed a mother carrying her dead child wrapped in a keffiyeh. Another one of her painting captured the pain of a sister kissing the hands of her baby brother who had been killed in the war. 'I have been living in the UAE for the last 45 years,' she said. 'I have never seen my homeland and I don't know if I will ever see it. I have family back home in Gaza. The only thing I can do is to keep talking, raise awareness and hope that my paintings sell so I can donate the money to help the children.'
