MANILA, Philippines – The Deputy Ruler of Sharjah City in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) formally launched a village and inaugurated an orphanage in Zamboanga del Sur, to help underprivileged villages and their families.
In a news release by the Emirates News Agency and shared by the Embassy of the UAE in the Philippines, it confirmed the visit of Deputy Ruler of Sharjah, and Chairman of the Sharjah Media Council H.H. Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Ahmed bin Sultan Al Qasimi, who laid the foundation stone for the Al Reeh Al Mursala Village and inaugurated Dar Al Rahma Orphanage in the municipality of Dinas.
“Humanitarian and charitable work is deeply rooted in the UAE's values, reflecting its commitment to supporting communities in need worldwide. The UAE conveys a message of goodness, compassion, and humanity that brings together peoples of all races and ethnicities,” H.H. Sheikh Dr. Sultan said.
The village is supported by the "Al Reeh Al Mursala" programme of the Sharjah Broadcasting Authority in cooperation with Sharjah Charity International.
H.H. Sheikh Dr. Sultan thanked all individuals and institutions who donated, affirming that their support helps meet the essential needs of underprivileged villages and their families, improving their living conditions and quality of life.
He also highlighted the importance of integrated charitable projects that provide underprivileged villages with essential necessities, contribute to the stability of those in need and their families, and enable them to live with dignity, ultimately helping them become educated and productive communities.
Also in attendance is the Director-General of the Sharjah Broadcasting Authority Mohammed Hassan Khalaf, who shared that the projects were made possible through the partnership between the Authority and Sharjah Charity International, supported by donations through the "Al Reeh Al Mursala" program broadcast on Sharjah TV and Sharjah Radio.
“The program has helped establish villages, including Al Reeh Al Mursala villages, healthcare centers and other humanitarian projects aimed at improving living conditions and creating sustainable sources of income for disadvantaged communities,” he said.
The Director-General highlighted the importance of humanitarian partnerships and their role in making a profound difference in the lives of those in need. He commended the support of donors and philanthropists, which reflects humanitarian values and solidarity with those in need.
During the ceremony, the Deputy Ruler of Sharjah also reviewed the project’s plans and designs for the Mursala Village, comprising of 60 houses, including the homes, facilities, and services to be provided to meet the residents’ diverse needs.
The village will also feature an artesian well to ensure a sustainable supply of clean water for residents, as well as a vocational centre that will enhance their skills and enable them to develop their capabilities, empowering them to become productive individuals.
The Chairman of the Sharjah Media Council then proceeded to Dar Al Rahma Orphanage, where he cut the ceremonial ribbon to mark its official opening. He toured the facility and reviewed its amenities, beginning with the mosque, and the accommodation building, which can house 50 orphans.
Photo courtesy of Emirates News Agency
The building has been equipped with high-quality facilities to meet their daily needs, allowing them to live in comfort and security, practice a variety of life skills, and interact socially with one another, the Emirates News Agency mentioned.
He also visited the four classrooms, including a computer laboratory that provides access to learning resources and helps develop the orphans’ digital skills, as well as multipurpose classrooms designed to provide an educational environment equipped with modern learning facilities.
He was also briefed on the educational process, the key teaching methods adopted, and their role in enhancing the orphans’ knowledge and skills.
H.H. Sheikh Dr Sultan also visited the sewing institute, which provides opportunities for mothers of orphans to practice and develop their sewing skills and to produce a range of garments and textiles to support their household income and help ensure a decent standard of living for their families. He received a briefing on the institute’s role in enhancing the mothers’ sewing skills and in helping bring their products to market.
The orphanage also features an electric-powered well to provide clean water for the orphans, as well as commercial shops to support local products and generate sustainable sources of income. The facility also includes a restaurant and administrative offices, the Emirates News Agency added.
The Chairman of the Sharjah Media Council was accompanied by Sheikh Saqr bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Sharjah Charity International; Mohammed Hassan Khalaf, Director-General of the Sharjah Broadcasting Authority; Tariq Saeed Allay, Director-General of the Sharjah Government Media Bureau; Hassan Yaqoub Al Mansouri, Secretary-General of the Sharjah Media Council; and several officials.
