Sharjah: The Malaysian foundation ‘Dignity for Children’ has won the 2nd Sharjah International Award for Refugee Advocacy and Support, The Big Heart Foundation (TBHF) announced on Monday.
‘Dignity for Children’ was selected for its performance as a leading humanitarian institution in Asia and the Middle East and North Africa (Mena) region, providing support and advocacy services to refugees and the displaced.
The award was also given to them in recognition for their role and commitment towards thousands of families in Sentul, Malaysia, by providing a safe environment for their children’s education.
The award, organised by TBHF — the Sharjah-based global humanitarian charity dedicated to helping refugees and people in need worldwide — in cooperation with the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), is offered to the most outstanding contribution made during the year in developing and implementing a pioneering initiative or project that has had a positive and tangible impact on refugees within Asia and the Mena region.
The winning organisation receives a prize of Dh500,000 ($136,000) to support its humanitarian efforts and will be officially honoured at a special ceremony in Sharjah on April 26.
The award was launched last year by Shaikha Jawaher Bint Mohammad Al Qasimi, wife of His Highness Dr Shaikh Sultan bin Mohammad Al Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council Ruler of Sharjah, and comes in line with Sharjah’s efforts to improve the lives of hundreds of thousands of refugees and displaced persons around the world.
“We believe that philanthropic efforts need inspiring role models who can provide examples of how important humanitarian work can be,” said Shaikha Jawaher, who is also the Chairperson of TBHF and UNHCR Eminent Advocate for Refugee Children.
“The award recognises these role models and highlights their efforts and their selflessness while making a significant difference to the lives of refugees and the displaced. Whatever the size of your contribution, it is the value that matters, and the effect it creates to encourage others to follow in their footsteps,” she said.
She added: “We should all appreciate the exceptional work of Dignity for Children and help build on its success, not only in terms of contribution to social rehabilitation but also in raising awareness of those in need. The foundation has chosen a path to change the course of societies in crisis through providing a safer environment for education, which is the most effective tool in making a real change on the ground.”
In winning the award, Dignity for Children has also been recognised for its achievements over the past two decades in caring and supporting refugees and providing them with the necessary resources to complete their academic lives, and to be active partners in changing the reality of their communities.
This year, the foundation celebrates its 20th anniversary and now provides services to approximately 1,100 refugees, stateless people, undocumented students and other marginalised groups in the Malaysian community of Kuala Lumpur.
