Sheikha Jawaher visits Syrian refugees

Sheikha Jawaher bint Mohammed Al-Qasimi, Wife of the Ruler of Sharjah and UNHCR Eminent Advocate, visited Egypt last week, during which she visited Al Shamla public school in 6th of October City which accommodates at least 320 Syrian students alongside 1,000 Egyptian Students.

Sheikha Jawaher was received by Elizabeth Tan, UNHCR Representative in Egypt, Ambassador Tariq Maati, Assistant Foreign Minister for Refugees and Migration, Dr. Buthaina Kishk, Director of the Directorate of Education in Giza, Dr. Youssef Suleiman, First Under-Secretary at the Ministry of Education, Tarek Al-Neshwy the school Director, Mohammed Shawky, UNHCR Assistant Education Officer and a number of UNHCR officials and teaching staff at the school.

Elizabeth Tan briefed Sheikha Jawaher on the general condition and situation of refugees in Egypt, in addition to the office's efforts to provide a good quality of education to all refugees in collaboration with the Egyptian Ministry of Education.

Tarek Al-Neshwy updated Sheikha Jawaher on the enhancement, refurbishment and restoration that has been completed at the school in terms of the 15 renovated classrooms and the education services provided at the school.

Sheikha Jawaher, through her foundation, The Big Heart, has donated US$985,690 which was channelled to benefit seven public schools in Greater Cairo, Alexandria and Damietta.

Sheikha Jawahar said, "The issue of Syrian refugees is one of the most tragic events in human history and this will not be resolved by remembering their humanitarian suffering and talking about their plight. It can only be resolved through the collective efforts of the international community. We need to develop Arab and international systems and put measures in place to provide protection to refugees. The situation has become very serious with an increasing number of refugees and on-going crises in a number of Arab countries, the refugee issue can affect the future of the Arab world and its development."

Ms. Tan welcomed Sheikha Jawahar's visit to Egypt, saying, "We are very grateful for the important support provided by Sheikha Jawaher bint Mohammad Al Qasimi and the Big Heart Foundation.

"The funding given to the Al Shamla public school in 6th October City, one of seven schools that have benefited from the funding, has reduced overcrowding in the classrooms and has provided an enhanced learning environment for Egyptian and Syrian students attending the school."

She toured the school and had the opportunity to meet with both Egyptian and Syrian children in attendance. She urged them to pursue their education, improving their future and opportunities for success, saying that education will protect children and save them from the complexities, difficulties, pains and tragedies that forced their migration, stressing that "education makes security and reconciliation a reality".

Sheikha Jawaher also met Syrian refugee women at the Tadamon Egyptian Refugee Council Community Centre in 6th October City, where they exchanged views of the challenges they face and Her Highness heard their compelling stories. She praised the determination and resilience of the refugees after talking to them at the community centre.

Sheikha Jawaher's humanitarian mission to Egypt came at a time when the number of refugees fleeing the conflict in Syria is close to 4 million, of whom over 134,000 are already registered with UNHCR in Egypt.

The wife of Sharjah's Ruler commended the efforts of Egypt, Jordan and Lebanon for supporting refugees, noting that these countries bear the biggest burden and responsibility towards refugees and provide more than their countries' capacity to ensure their protection.
Source: WAM