SHARJAH- The Big Heart Foundation, TBHF, has announced that the original value of the Sharjah International Award for Refugee Advocacy and Support’s prize money has been increased to US$136,000 (AED 500,000) from US$100,000 (AED367,000). The winner of the second edition of the humanitarian award will be announced in April 2018.

The recognition is offered to the most outstanding contribution made during the year in developing and implementing a pioneering initiative or a project that has had a positive and tangible impact on refugees in Asia and the Middle East and North Africa region.

The award focuses on honouring those who carried out effective projects and initiatives, which genuinely contributed to providing refugees and displaced persons with food, health, education and social needs. It recognises those who have brought comfort and aid to people surrounded by harsh conditions, particularly women and children, by offering them jobs and sources of income, as well as by providing children with educational opportunities and health, social and cultural care. H.H. Sheikha Jawaher bint Mohammed Al Qasimi, wife of H.H. the Ruler of Sharjah, United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, UNHCR, Eminent Advocate for Refugee Children, and Chairperson of TBHF, launched the award in January 2017, under the patronage of H.H. Dr. Sheikh Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, in line with Sharjah’s efforts to improve the lives of hundreds of thousands of refugees and displaced persons around the world.

The nominated entries are evaluated in terms of their positive impact on target groups of refugees and displaced persons, with a focus on proving the efficiency of financial and human resources management, implementing governance, transparency and responsibility practices, as well as effective communication with the audience during the implementation of the initiative or project. The goals of the annual award correspond with Sheikh Sultan’s vision to encourage individuals and institutions to help refugees and people in need wherever they are, irrespective of their nationality, religion or affiliations.

The award’s spirit aligns with the humanitarian approach of Sharjah and the UAE, known for their continued offering of aid and strong support to underprivileged peoples and vulnerable communities affected by natural disasters and political and economic turmoil. Mariam Al Hammadi, Director of TBHF, said, "By increasing the value of the Sharjah International Award for Refugee Advocacy and Support, curated by TBHF in cooperation with the UNHCR, we seek to honour notable humanitarian efforts of individuals and institutions and encourage them to put into practice effective initiatives to support and advocate for refugees in Asia, and the MENA region.

We recognise them for their outstanding efforts and contributions that set an example for other individuals and organisations to follow."

© Copyright Emirates News Agency (WAM) 2018.