ABU DHABI // A woman and her three children, left destitute after being abandoned by the family patriarch, will now have their rent covered for the next year.
Rana, 35, and her children - aged 4, 6 and 8 - had their case highlighted in The National at the end of last month leading to an unprecedented level of support, the Dar Al Ber Society said.
“One woman set up a group to gather donations for Rana, while many others offered that Rana and her children stay in their homes,” said Hisham Al Zahrani, manager of social services at the society.
As well as an unnamed charity offering to cover the family’s rent for the next year, support has come in other ways, too, Mr Al Zahrani said.
“We also had donations to pay off the bills of a hotel which was withholding Rana’s passports and threatening to take legal action.”
After divorcing her abusive husband, who was wanted by police, the Syrian mother was forced to make money any way she could. Left without any official paperwork, however, forced Rana to sell abayas on the streets of Sharjah, where it was not uncommon for her children to go without food for days.
Almost immediatly after their story was made public, Dar Al Ber was inundated with requests from people and organisations asking to help.
The Emirates Human Rights Association also offered help with regards to updating the young mother’s legal status by finding her work.
The support has been integral in allowing the family to make their way in the world, Rana says.
“I am getting there. Things are taking time and I know there are many procedures, but I’m slowly able to stand on my own feet.
“I knew that if people knew about my situation - about what was happening to me and my children - that they would help me. I am grateful and praying for each and every one of them.
“They have helped save our lives.”
salnuwais@thenational.ae
