The Big Heart Foundation donates US$1 million towards scholarships for 21 Syrian students in Lebanon

SHARJAH, 2nd April, 2017 (WAM) -- As the crisis in Syria leaves children and young people in increasingly difficult circumstances, The Big Heart Foundation, TBHF, a Sharjah-based global humanitarian charity dedicated to helping refugees and individuals in need worldwide, has donated US$1 million to cover the university tuition and living expenses for 21 Syrian refugee students in Lebanon. The scholarships will provide Syrian refugee students with university preparation courses and advise them on programmes and career paths while guiding them in their college applications. In addition, TBHF will provide the students with monthly salaries to enable them to cover their living expenses while at university in Lebanon. The donation made by TBHF under the recently signed agreement with the Unite Lebanon Youth Project, ULYP, will fund the project for the course of four years. Mariam Al Hammadi, Director of TBHF, said, "It is essential that communities and countries continue to develop, and people with a robust and stable education are more able to overcome challenges and deal with changes. It is those individuals who can ensure a stable and secure environment where all community members can enjoy dignified living conditions. Education is the only way to ensure a bright future for generations to come." "In line with the vision of Sheikha Jawaher bint Mohammed Al Qasimi, Chairperson of the TBHF, UNHCR Eminent Advocate for Refugee Children, and wife of His Highness the Ruler of Sharjah, the foundation pays considerable attention to the education of children and young people, especially in emergency cases," Al Hammadi added. She highlighted that TBHF launched a series of initiatives and programmes that brought about a positive difference in the lives of thousands of children and youngsters, over recent years. Founder of ULYP, Melek el-Nimer commented, "Our students benefitting from TBHF grant will not only have a chance to continue their education but also have a monthly income that will make a big difference under the extreme circumstances they are living. I sincerely thank the Foundation and Her Highness Sheikha Jawaher bint Mohammed Al Qasimi for this very generous grant that is already changing lives." The students will be able to attend Beirut Arab University, Lebanese American University and the Lebanese International University, with majors including media and communication, architectural engineering, civil and environmental engineering, business administration, maths, nursing, medical sciences and interior design.