Sharjah: Sajaya Young Ladies of Sharjah concluded its ‘100 Hours of Giving’ summer programme and honoured many of its members who helped renovate 72 homes for families in need across the emirate.
The group, which is a subsidiary of the Rubu’ Qarn Foundation for Creating Leaders and Innovators (Rubu’ Qarn), is dedicated to developing the talents of girls aged 13-18 years in all creative spheres. During the programme, around 800 young ladies renovated 32 houses in Sharjah, 24 in Kalba and 16 in Khor Fakkan, in the process ensuring that the occupants of the houses could be assured their fundamental rights to decent living standards, healthy surroundings and happiness.
The initiative aimed to instil the values of volunteering and philanthropy in the young ladies as well as foster a strong sense of responsibility towards members of the community in need.
“Through this programme, it has been a priority to enhance not just the values, but the acts of giving and, with these volunteering initiatives, the young ladies understand more and more that it is a social duty and community commitment,” said Shaikha Aisha Khalid Al Qasimi, Director of Sajaya.
She pointed out that selfless voluntary work is one of the true virtues that reflect patriotism and sense of belonging to the country. “It represents collaboration, support and perseverance, and Sajaya is reinforcing those supreme values into its members,” she added.
Speaking about the programme, thirteen-year-old Aisha Omar said that through the programme she had made new friends and gained self-confidence.
“I saw a completely new way of how some people live their lives and conditions that I have never come across before. It was very fulfilling to visit the houses of families in need and be able to help them,” she said.
Another participant, Aliah Al Kaabi, 13, said the programme was an excellent way to make the most of the summer and gain new insights both personally and within the groups she worked with. “It was a real learning experience and seeing such different living conditions is something I will never forget,” said Al Kaabi.
Amani Al Za’abi, also 13, said: “I have learned so many things in this programme, particularly humility and respect. It gave us an enormous sense of pride to work as part of a team and develop different skills. I learned to believe in everything I do and understand that the community comes first. I also realised that helping others is a great reward in itself.”
The ‘100 Hours of Giving’ programme’s activities received support from several government entities, including Sharjah Chamber of Commerce and Industry, and Emirates Transport and Sharjah Cooperative Society.
