Refugee needs extend beyond survival: TBHF
On the eve of World Refugee Day, marked on June 20, Alya Al Musaiebi, Director of The Big Heart Foundation (TBHF) said, ' the essentials of a dignified life today are widely accepted to include food, shelter, education, healthcare, and safety.'
These are considered the basis for human survival. Yet what we often overlook is that 'essentials' are not fixed; they shift depending on where we are, and sometimes, who we are.
This becomes clear when we compare stable societies with refugee communities. In the former, necessities are often taken for granted. Over time, needs evolve—towards freedom of expression, creativity, personal growth, and fulfillment. In refugee communities, however, needs multiply in proportion to loss. Refugees long for a home, memories, school, protection, and the dream of a future, a need that only genuine human solidarity can fulfill, restoring a sense of reassurance to the spirit.
This reality reminds us of a core principle in humanitarian work: the distinction between meeting basic needs and rebuilding the human spirit.
Dignity, respect, and self-determination can take precedence over food or shelter.
The need is not just to survive, but to feel alive.
Without dignity, even food and medicine lose meaning.
Aid must preserve self-respect and empower people as active participants in rebuilding their lives.Genuine solidarity is not measured solely by what we provide, but by what we help keep alive within the individual.
What keeps someone truly alive is not just bread and water, but passion, decision-making, expression, and the ability to dream.
That's why at The Big Heart Foundation, we affirm that refugees are not a 'special case.'
Our mission goes beyond physical needs—we must support to keep their spirit alive and their future is theirs to shape.
We must move past viewing refugees solely as victims. Their needs extend beyond survival to all that gives life meaning.
When dignity is restored, aid becomes partnership. Shelter becomes a home. The refugee becomes the architect of their future.
Guided by His Highness Dr Sheikh Sultan Bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, and supported by Her Highness Sheikha Jawaher Bint Mohammed Al Qasimi,Chairperson of The Big Heart Foundation, we put dignity at the heart of our work. We ask ourselves: Have we listened? Have we preserved dignity? Have we made space for individuals to lead?
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Sharjah 24
5 days ago
- Sharjah 24
Municipal Council, SM launch youth entrepreneurship initiative
The initiative aims to support young municipal employees preparing for marriage by empowering them and helping them overcome challenges to build stable, cohesive families that contribute to societal development and prosperity. Programme objectives and support mechanisms The programme reflects the UAE's ongoing commitment to strengthening families as a core pillar of society. It will provide participants with both material and moral support, psychological counseling, and a variety of training and awareness courses designed to equip them for married life and future responsibilities. Leadership endorsement and strategic vision His Excellency Salem Ali Al Muhairi, Chairman of the Sharjah City Municipal Council, stated that the programme aligns with the vision of His Highness Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, who advocates for strong, well-supported families. Al Muhairi emphasised that the programme will help young people marry on solid foundations, ensuring emotional and social stability while enabling them to contribute meaningfully to their communities and the nation's development. Institutional support and programme implementation His Excellency Obaid Saeed Al Tunaiji, Director General of Sharjah City Municipality, affirmed the municipality's full support for the programme, highlighting the initiative's alignment with societal values and its importance in promoting the institution of marriage. The programme aims to serve as a bridge between government institutions and youth, offering knowledge, guidance, and support to establish stable family lives. Programme structure and strategic partnerships Aisha Al Motawa Al Suwaidi, member of the Municipal Council and head of the Sustainable Future Youth Programme, presented an overview of the programme's structure. She outlined its objectives, timeline, and the mechanisms for providing financial and moral support. She also detailed the collaboration with strategic partners such as the Family Development Department, the Economic Development Department, and other supporting agencies. The programme will be implemented in phases and extended to include young employees from various government entities. Commitment to family stability and youth empowerment Her Excellency Modhi Al Shamsi, Head of the Family Development Department, stressed the importance of the programme in preparing youth for marriage and enhancing family stability. She noted that the initiative plays a vital role in reshaping young people's understanding of family life and its foundational role in society. Moza Saif Al Shehhi Al Suwaidi, Director of the Family Guidance Department, described the programme as a model of institutional collaboration and a long-term national effort to preserve and strengthen the Emirati family. She explained that the training component of the programme includes a comprehensive set of modules tailored to address psychological, social, and economic needs, and will be delivered by certified specialists in various fields. Closing lecture on the role of marriage in society The ceremony concluded with a lecture by Sheikh Dr Aziz Farhan Al Anzi, who spoke about the vital role of marriage as a social institution. He emphasised the values of affection, understanding, and mutual respect as key to a successful married life, offering practical advice and encouragement to the program's participants.
Gulf Today
6 days ago
- Gulf Today
Refugee needs extend beyond survival: TBHF
On the eve of World Refugee Day, marked on June 20, Alya Al Musaiebi, Director of The Big Heart Foundation (TBHF) said, ' the essentials of a dignified life today are widely accepted to include food, shelter, education, healthcare, and safety.' These are considered the basis for human survival. Yet what we often overlook is that 'essentials' are not fixed; they shift depending on where we are, and sometimes, who we are. This becomes clear when we compare stable societies with refugee communities. In the former, necessities are often taken for granted. Over time, needs evolve—towards freedom of expression, creativity, personal growth, and fulfillment. In refugee communities, however, needs multiply in proportion to loss. Refugees long for a home, memories, school, protection, and the dream of a future, a need that only genuine human solidarity can fulfill, restoring a sense of reassurance to the spirit. This reality reminds us of a core principle in humanitarian work: the distinction between meeting basic needs and rebuilding the human spirit. Dignity, respect, and self-determination can take precedence over food or shelter. The need is not just to survive, but to feel alive. Without dignity, even food and medicine lose meaning. Aid must preserve self-respect and empower people as active participants in rebuilding their solidarity is not measured solely by what we provide, but by what we help keep alive within the individual. What keeps someone truly alive is not just bread and water, but passion, decision-making, expression, and the ability to dream. That's why at The Big Heart Foundation, we affirm that refugees are not a 'special case.' Our mission goes beyond physical needs—we must support to keep their spirit alive and their future is theirs to shape. We must move past viewing refugees solely as victims. Their needs extend beyond survival to all that gives life meaning. When dignity is restored, aid becomes partnership. Shelter becomes a home. The refugee becomes the architect of their future. Guided by His Highness Dr Sheikh Sultan Bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, and supported by Her Highness Sheikha Jawaher Bint Mohammed Al Qasimi,Chairperson of The Big Heart Foundation, we put dignity at the heart of our work. We ask ourselves: Have we listened? Have we preserved dignity? Have we made space for individuals to lead?
Sharjah 24
20-06-2025
- Sharjah 24
Dignity: The right that must never be forgotten
This becomes clear when we compare stable societies with refugee communities. In the former, necessities are often taken for granted. Over time, needs evolve—towards freedom of expression, creativity, personal growth, and fulfillment. In refugee communities, however, needs multiply in proportion to loss. Refugees long for a home, memories, school, protection, and the dream of a future, a need that only genuine human solidarity can fulfill, restoring a sense of reassurance to the spirit. This reality reminds us of a core principle in humanitarian work: the distinction between meeting basic needs and rebuilding the human spirit. Dignity, respect, and self-determination can take precedence over food or shelter. The need is not just to survive, but to feel alive. Without dignity, even food and medicine lose meaning. Aid must preserve self-respect and empower people as active participants in rebuilding their solidarity is not measured solely by what we provide, but by what we help keep alive within the individual. What keeps someone truly alive is not just bread and water, but passion, decision-making, expression, and the ability to dream. That's why at The Big Heart Foundation, we affirm that refugees are not a 'special case.' Our mission goes beyond physical needs—we must support to keep their spirit alive and their future is theirs to shape. We must move past viewing refugees solely as victims. Their needs extend beyond survival to all that gives life meaning. When dignity is restored, aid becomes partnership. Shelter becomes a home. The refugee becomes the architect of their future. Guided by His Highness Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, and supported by Her Highness Sheikha Jawaher bint Mohammed Al Qasimi,Chairperson of The Big Heart Foundation, we put dignity at the heart of our work. We ask ourselves: Have we listened? Have we preserved dignity? Have we made space for individuals to lead? On World Refugee Day, our message is clear: let us redefine solidarity. Let us make dignity a measure of success. Because without dignity, a person cannot rise—and if we strip it from others, we lose our own humanity.
