6 siblings orphaned by virus in a matter of days

CHARITIES PROVIDE CHILDREN WITH ACCOMMODATION, PAY SCHOOL FEES

Charities provide children with accommodation, pay school fees

Charities have come to the aid of six Sharjah siblings orphaned after their parents succumbed to the virus. The 57-year-old father, a Sudanese national, died on May 18, just 23 days after his 37-yearold wife. Their six children, between four and 16 years of age, who used to live in Al Ta’awun are now living with their father’s nephew in Ajman.

The father had diabetes and fell ill days after his wife died.

The nephew said that he wanted the children to continue their studies. They did not go to school last year due to late payment of fees, he added.

Help has quickly poured in for the orphans. Dar Al Beir Society has offered to pay their school fees and housing costs. It has rented an apartment besides the nephew’s house for two years and will provide them with a monthly allowance. The children are expected to rejoin school in the next academic year.

Dar Al Beir’s Needy Families Committee paid Dh50,000 for the kids’ tuition fees as well as two years’ rent.

‘Homeland of humanity’

Ali Hassein Al Assi, chairman of the committee, said that the committee met on Tuesday on hearing about the plight of the children. “The UAE is a homeland of humanity that is always ready to extend support to those in need, regardless of nationality,” he said.

The apartment will be furnished according to the children’s choice, including selection of furniture, he added.

The nephew said he had also received a call from Sharjah International Charity, which has offered help by sending food boxes to the children.

The Sudanese Consulate in Dubai is also in contact with the family and is offering consular assistance.

The nephew, who is now the children’s guardian, urged residents to follow precautionary measures regarding coronavirus set out by the UAE Government and never ignore them at the risk of losing loved ones.