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A UAE organisation has launched a programme aiming to help provide long-term support for 20,000 orphans in Gaza.
The Big Heart Foundation is asking residents and companies to support a Palestinian orphan by donating from Dh625 per month up to Dh75,000 for 10 years of assistance through its “For Gaza” scheme.
Donors can commit to monthly, annual, five-year or 10-year payments under a structured sponsorship model.
The details were revealed during a charity suhoor held at the Sharjah Research, Technology and Innovation Park on Monday, in the presence of philanthropists, business leaders and representatives from the humanitarian sector.
The programme is part of the Palestinian Taawon Welfare Association's Noor campaign, which aims to raise $377 million to provide access to education, health care, psychological support and other essential services for orphaned children in Gaza.
Restoring hope
“Our approach is rooted in sustainability. We do not deduct administrative fees from donations, ensuring that every dirham reaches those in need,” said Alya Al Musaiebi, director of the foundation. “This is a testament to our values and our promise to the generous donors who believe in this cause, to restore hope to children who lost their families and dreams amid the war and suffering.”
Children will receive not just financial aid, but structured support that fosters stability, education and psychological well-being. An Eid Clothing Initiative is also part of the campaign, enabling donors to contribute Dh200 to provide new clothes for orphans, ensuring they can celebrate with dignity and joy.
Taawon’s expertise, built through decades of experience in Gaza, ensures that aid reaches those in need efficiently and transparently.
“Building on our experience in development and humanitarian programmes, we have structured the Noor initiative to support Gaza’s orphans comprehensively,” said Dr Tareq Emtairah, director general of Taawon. “With the foundation as a strategic partner, we are scaling our efforts to provide long-term stability, ensuring that these children not only survive but thrive.”
In October 2024, the UN children's agency Unicef estimated there were up to 18,000 orphans in the Gaza Strip after more than a year of fighting between Israel and Hamas, many of them without any family members.
The For Gaza campaign calls on philanthropists, businesses, civil society and individuals to take part in shaping a better future for them.
How to support orphans in Gaza
Donors can contribute through bank transfer to Sharjah Islamic Bank, cheque payments to the foundation headquarters, cash donations, online contributions or by SMS.
Support one orphan for Dh625 for a month, Dh7,500 for a year, Dh37,000 for five years and Dh75,000 for 10 years.
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Pre-school (three - five years)
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Early childhood (six - eight years)
Replace the money bank with three jars labelled ‘saving’, ‘spending’ and ‘sharing’. Have the child divide their allowance into the three jars each week and explain their choices in splitting their pocket money. A guide could be 25 per cent saving, 50 per cent spending, 25 per cent for charity and gift-giving.
Middle childhood (nine - 11 years)
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Change your child’s allowance from weekly to monthly and help them pinpoint long-range goals such as a trip, so they can start longer-term saving and find new ways to increase their saving.
Teenage (15 - 18 years)
Discuss mutual expectations about university costs and identify what they can help fund and set goals. Don’t pay for everything, so they can experience the pride of contributing.
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