Big Heart Foundation launches educational project to help children of Gaza

SHARJAH, 15th December, 2015 (WAM) -- The Big Heart Foundation, TBHF, has announced the implementation of a one-year educational project for children in war torn Palestine. The education project aims to enhance education and psychological wellbeing of marginalised children in the Gaza Strip’s cities, the Governorates of Rafah and Khan Younis, which are considered among the world’s most affected areas due to successive crises. The project is implemented in collaboration with Mercy Corps, an international non-profit organisation involved in relief and international development, and will include four after-school centres in Rafah, and three others in Khan Younis. A total of 1,568 children, and 1,253 mothers, are expected to benefit directly from the joint tutoring session, which will focus on improving children’s levels in Maths, Arabic and English. While more than 6,265 children will benefit indirectly from the project, costing $810,000.00. The two organisations are currently equipping classrooms with all the necessary educational materials, including books, stationery, school bags and others essentials, and are recruiting administrative and teaching staff, in order to begin the programme as soon as possible. Mariam Al Hammadi, Director of "Salam Ya Seghar", a programme under The Big Heart Foundation, said, "We strive through the directives of H.H. Sheikha Jawaher bint Mohammed Al Qasimi, Wife of H.H. the Ruler of Sharjah, to support and advocate for needy children throughout the world, and provide all the necessary means to secure their future. This is besides our involvement in providing urgent relief and aid during times of crisis and disaster." She added: "This educational project in Gaza has come about due to the belief of H.H. Sheikha Jawaher Al Qasimi that investment in children’s education is the best investment for the children themselves and their nations. We aim to contribute to making the future for children of Gaza a little better. They currently suffer so much as a result of the ongoing Israeli occupation and aggression." The launch of the project follows the recent development of The Big Heart Foundation after it was transformed from a regional campaign into a global humanitarian foundation, and after it moved from providing essential relief aid to providing education and outreach to needy children worldwide, especially Palestinian children. – Emirates News Agency, WAM - http://www.wam.ae/en/news/emirates/1395289212221.html