Sharjah The Big Heart Foundation (TBHF) Embarks on Humanitarian Efforts in Kenya, Building Homes for Refugees
In a profound display of compassion and cross-border collaboration, the Deputy Ruler of Sharjah, Sheikh Sultan bin Ahmed bin Sultan Al Qasimi, recently inaugurated the 'Home for a Home' project in Kenya Kalobeyei Settlement. This project, spearheaded by The Big Heart Foundation (TBHF) in collaboration with Arada Developments and the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), aims to provide safe housing, sanitation, and clean water supply to over 55,000 individuals in the settlement and surrounding host community adjacent to Kakuma camp.
The project embodies the humanitarian principle of building one permanent shelter for a refugee family in Kenya for every home sold in Sharjah Masaar master community by Arada Developments. This initiative, known as the 'Shelter & WASH' project, aligns with TBHF commitment to uplift the lives of refugees and displaced persons.
With each permanent shelter housing 176 refugees, complete with sanitation facilities, the first phase of the 'Home for a Home' project has been completed, with a total of 176 shelters built. The second cohort, consisting of 231 shelters, is currently under construction. This effort will significantly contribute to enhancing the living standards of refugee families, especially those affected by the Kakuma camp in Turkana County, Kenya.
Sheikh Sultan visit also included the inspection of TBHF other projects in Kenya, emphasizing the importance of initiatives that provide sustainable and lasting impacts on the lives of refugees. Sheikh Sultan highlighted that TBHF commitment to supporting refugees and displaced persons is deeply rooted in the values of Sharjah and the UAE, who have consistently extended their support to those facing challenges.
The Home for a Home project was established in March 2022 and aims to house 240 households with a total of 2,035 individuals from countries like South Sudan, Ethiopia, Burundi, Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Rwanda, and Uganda. Furthermore, the project includes the development of a sustainable water supply system to support both refugees and host communities, ensuring access to clean water for hygiene and healthy living.
This comprehensive approach to refugee support, encompassing housing, water, and sanitation, underscores TBHF dedication to not only addressing immediate needs but also creating a hopeful future for marginalized communities. Through this endeavor, TBHF reinforces its commitment to the values of the UAE and the visionary leadership of His Highness Dr Sheikh Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi and Sheikha Jawaher bint Mohammed Al Qasimi, who have championed the cause of humanitarianism and refugee support.