Sheikha Jawaher launches foundation to help refugee children

The Big Heart Foundation follows two years of helping children and families affected by the Syrian war through the Big Heart Campaign.

Sheikha Jawaher met some of the children her foundation aims to help during a visit to a refugee camp. Courtesy The Big Heart Foundation

DUBAI // A foundation has been launched to help thousands of refugee children and their families.

The Big Heart Foundation has been set up by UNHCR eminent advocate for refugee children Sheikha Jawaher bint Mohammed Al Qasimi, the wife of Dr Sheikh Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, the Ruler of Sharjah.

It comes two years after the launch of the Big Heart Campaign that helped to clothe, educate and give shelter to thousands of children.

“The decision to transform the Big Heart Campaign into a foundation stems from our belief in the necessity to double our efforts to help refugee children,” Sheikha Jawaher said.

“We are expanding our support, especially to ensure that we strengthen the family and provide refugee children with an environment that is secure.

“This is in line with the true values of Islam, and is compatible with the humanitarian work that distinguishes the UAE and reflects its honourable and well-respected standing on the world stage.”

By transforming the campaign into a foundation the aim is to improve cooperation between the new organisation, local and regional government bodies and aid agencies.

The foundation will also be able to host conferences to help influence and have access to decision-makers internationally.

The 2013 to 2014 Big Heart Campaign helped 106,000 Syrian refugees in Iraq with healthcare services at a cost of Dh7.3 million.

Dh18.4m was spent on Syrian refugees in Jordan, offering medical treatment to 150,000 people and providing 338,700 children and elderly people with relief aid.

In Lebanon, almost Dh15m was spent on healthcare services and projects for about 20,000 refugees, while a Dh6.6m project at Eid Al Fitr helped 60,000 refugees in the same country.

“With the deteriorating conditions suffered by refugees as a result of war, unrest and disasters, and the growing risks that pose serious threats to their safety, the international community should join forces and unite their efforts to stop these tragedies that break our hearts,” Sheikha Jawaher said.

“We cannot stand by as refugees risk their lives on unseaworthy vessels or travel vast distances by land and desert, looking for security and safety.”

Since its inception, the Big Heart Campaign has provided life-saving medical services to more than 365,000 Syrian refugees and given more than 400,000 others vital food and financial aid.

During the colder winter months in Syria and in neighbouring Jordan, Iraq, Turkey and Lebanon, the campaign provided essentials to children and their families, such as warm shelters, blankets and clothing.

The campaign later focused on education as part of the drive to get Syrian refugee children back to school after war ravaged their country, leaving many without the chance of a proper education.