Sharjah:The Big Heart Foundation (TBHF) has initiated the fourth edition of its 'Educate the Heart' program, designed to engage over 12,000 students, 47 teachers, and 47 schools across Sharjah in a year-long series of student-led fundraising and awareness activities. The primary goal is to support the rehabilitation and equipping of the Nagaa Said Basic Education School in Dishna, Qena, Egypt, benefiting approximately 750 students.
According to Wam, the launch event for the 2026-2027 edition took place during an orientation session at the SPARK - Sharjah Research, Technology and Innovation Park. Around 80 students and teachers from the participating schools attended to learn about the humanitarian project they will support and the roles their school communities will play.
For the first time, all participating schools will collaborate on a single educational project. This initiative aims to establish a direct connection between the students' efforts in Sharjah and the positive impact their collective efforts can have on another school community.
Throughout the academic year, students will organize and execute fundraising and awareness initiatives within their schools. These activities might include charity markets, storytelling sessions, art-based initiatives, and creative campaigns, all designed to raise funds and build awareness of humanitarian and educational needs.
The funds collected will aid in the rehabilitation of the Nagaa Said Basic Education School through a partnership between TBHF and Misr El Kheir Foundation. The planned improvements include upgrading school infrastructure, enhancing classrooms and learning spaces, providing educational resources, and supporting teacher development.
The project is anticipated to offer a safer, better-equipped, and more inclusive learning environment for the students. It also aims to increase student enrollment and attendance, improve learning outcomes, and encourage more children, especially girls, to continue their education.
Launched in 2022 under the direction of H.H. Sheikha Jawaher bint Mohammed Al Qasimi, Chairperson of TBHF, 'Educate the Heart' was created to involve young people in humanitarian action and to instill a sense of social responsibility through active participation.
Since its inception, the program has engaged over 30,000 students through practical activities that introduce them to humanitarian responsibilities. Mariam Al Hammadi, an Advisory Board Member of TBHF, emphasized the importance of education in shaping young people's understanding of their societal roles and responsibilities.
At the end of the program, participating schools will be honored with the Gold Heart, Silver Heart, and Bronze Heart Awards, recognizing their contributions. The Gold Heart Award-winning school will receive a trophy, a certificate of recognition, and a fully funded visit to Qena, Egypt, to see the impact of their efforts firsthand.