Foundation pledges $1m for refugees in Pakistan
sharjah — A humanitarian organisation in Sharjah has announced five projects worth $1 million in Pakistan, which are aimed at creating more opportunities for the education and employment of refugees.
The Big Heart Foundation (TBHF), a global humanitarian organisation dedicated to helping refugees and people in need worldwide, said the projects were announced under the directives of Sheikha Jawaher bint Mohammed Al Qasimi, wife of His Highness the Ruler of Sharjah, Chairperson of TBHF and Eminent Advocate for Refugee Children at the UNHCR.
The projects will allow a larger number of children and youth to go to schools; improve vocational training; develop skills; and empower communities.
Ensuring better educational support and providing opportunities for learning and life skills development will economically empower beneficiaries to contribute to developmental efforts.” Mariam Al Hammadi, director, TBHF
SOS school in Rawalakot
The TBHF has allocated $580,000 for the construction of an SOS Girls and Boys High School in Rawalakot, in partnership with SOS Children’s Villages Pakistan.
The project seeks to bring highquality education to underprivileged children in the wider community. Launched in September, the school is expected to be fully established by July 2022.
Vocational training
In August, the TBHF launched a project to establish specialised computer training and English language labs in Sargodha, Sialkot and Muzaffarabad.
Targeting 450 children and youth, the project worth $80,584 aims to support the youth by equipping them with the necessary skills to secure jobs.
Primary school
In June, the TBHF mobilised a $170,162 fund for the construction of a primary school in Lakhi Ghulam Shah, Shikarpur, in Sindh
province, in partnership with The Citizens Foundation (TCF).
The TCF-Sheikh Khalid Al Qasimi Campus project, named in memory of the Sharjah Ruler’s son, aims to provide formal education to 180 marginalised children per year, with a particular focus on girls’ education.
Upgrading women’s skills
The foundation also worked with the UNHCR to upgrade the Women Welfare Development Centre in Islamabad and three similar centres in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
The $200,045 project, scheduled for completion in December 2021, will provide equipment for industrial tailoring, advanced beauty therapy and information technology — all to help over a thousand women acquire new skills.
Community centre
To promote the active engagement of refugees, the foundation has pledged $61,131 for a new community centre project in Haripur.
‘The Big Heart Foundation’ Community Centre is scheduled to be completed at the end of 2021.