Mindanao Initiatives to Provide Housing for 60 Families and Shelter for 50 Orphans.
Mindanao: Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Ahmed bin Sultan Al Qasimi, Deputy Ruler of Sharjah and Chairman of the Sharjah Media Council, has reaffirmed the UAE’s longstanding commitment to humanitarian and charitable initiatives, describing compassion and support for vulnerable communities as fundamental values of the nation.
He said the UAE continues to promote a message of kindness, solidarity and humanity that transcends racial and ethnic boundaries, bringing people together through shared humanitarian principles.
His remarks came during a visit to the Dinas area on Mindanao island in the Philippines, where he laid the foundation stone for Al Reeh Al Mursala Village and officially inaugurated Dar Al Rahma Orphanage.
The village project is being developed with support from the Sharjah Broadcasting Authority’s “Al Reeh Al Mursala” programme, in collaboration with Sharjah Charity International.
UAE reinforces commitment to humanitarian development
Sheikh Dr Sultan expressed his appreciation to the individuals and organisations whose contributions have made the charitable initiatives possible.
He said their generosity plays an important role in addressing the basic needs of disadvantaged villages and families, while helping improve their living standards and overall quality of life.
The Deputy Ruler emphasised the value of comprehensive humanitarian projects that go beyond immediate assistance by providing essential services and supporting long-term community development.
Such initiatives, he explained, help create stable living conditions for vulnerable families, enable people to lead dignified lives and encourage the development of educated, self-reliant and productive communities.
Mohammed Hassan Khalaf, Director-General of the Sharjah Broadcasting Authority, said the projects demonstrated the strength of the humanitarian partnership between the Authority and Sharjah Charity International.
He explained that the initiatives were made possible through public donations collected by the “Al Reeh Al Mursala” programme, which airs on Sharjah TV and Sharjah Radio.
According to Khalaf, the programme has supported the development of residential villages, including Al Reeh Al Mursala villages, as well as healthcare facilities and other charitable projects designed to improve living conditions for underserved populations.
He added that these initiatives also seek to establish sustainable income opportunities, helping communities achieve greater financial independence over time.
The Director-General stressed that cooperation between humanitarian organisations is essential to delivering meaningful improvements in the lives of people facing hardship.
He also praised the generosity of donors and philanthropists, saying their continued support reflects the values of compassion, social responsibility and solidarity with communities in need.
New residential village to provide homes for 60 families
Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Ahmed bin Sultan Al Qasimi, Deputy Ruler of Sharjah, laid the foundation stone for Al Reeh Al Mursala Village and examined the project’s architectural plans and designs, which detail the residential units, infrastructure and essential services planned for the community.
The development will include 60 houses, each featuring two bedrooms and a living room, providing suitable accommodation for families in need.
The village will also be equipped with an artesian well to provide residents with a dependable and sustainable supply of clean water.
A vocational training centre will be established to help residents acquire practical skills, strengthen their abilities and develop opportunities to become productive and financially independent.
Al Reeh Al Mursala Village is designed as an integrated humanitarian development that combines secure housing, essential infrastructure and opportunities for education and professional advancement.
By providing stable accommodation, reliable access to water and vocational training, the project aims to improve residents’ quality of life while promoting family security, self-reliance and long-term community development.
The initiative has been funded through contributions from donors and philanthropists supporting the “Al Reeh Al Mursala” programme, broadcast on Sharjah TV and Sharjah Radio under the Sharjah Broadcasting Authority, in partnership with Sharjah Charity International.
Dar Al Rahma Orphanage to accommodate 50 children
Following the foundation stone ceremony, Sheikh Dr Sultan visited Dar Al Rahma Orphanage, where he officially inaugurated the facility by cutting the ceremonial ribbon.
The Chairman of the Sharjah Media Council then toured the orphanage to inspect its facilities and services, beginning with the mosque.
He subsequently visited the residential building, which has the capacity to accommodate 50 orphaned children.
The accommodation has been fitted with facilities designed to meet the children’s everyday needs, providing a safe and comfortable living environment.
The centre also aims to encourage social interaction among the children and help them develop essential life skills.
Educational facilities and livelihood support for families
During his visit, Sheikh Dr Sultan inspected the orphanage’s four classrooms, including a computer laboratory designed to provide access to educational resources and strengthen children’s digital literacy.
He also toured the multipurpose classrooms, which are equipped with modern teaching facilities to support a range of educational activities.
Officials briefed him on the learning programmes, teaching approaches and methods used to improve the children’s knowledge and practical abilities.
The Deputy Ruler also visited the sewing institute, which offers mothers of orphaned children opportunities to learn and improve their tailoring skills.
The institute enables mothers to produce clothing and other textile products, helping them generate household income and improve their families’ living standards.
Sheikh Dr Sultan received an explanation of the institute’s training activities and its efforts to support the marketing and sale of products made by participating mothers.
Additional facilities at the orphanage include an electrically powered well that supplies clean water, along with commercial outlets intended to promote locally produced goods and create sustainable revenue streams.
The development also features a restaurant and administrative offices to support its daily operations.
At the conclusion of the visit, Sheikh Dr Sultan joined the children and their mothers for commemorative group photographs.
The beneficiaries expressed their happiness at the opening of Dar Al Rahma Orphanage and conveyed their appreciation to the Deputy Ruler of Sharjah for inaugurating the facility.
Sheikh Dr Sultan was accompanied during the visit 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 other officials.
