Sharjah: His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah, honoured Konexio Africa as the winner of the ninth edition of the Sharjah International Award for Refugee Advocacy and Support (SIARA). In attendance were H.H. Sheikh Sultan bin Ahmed Al Qasimi, Deputy Ruler of Sharjah and the Humanitarian Envoy for The Big Heart Foundation (TBHF), and H.H. Sheikha Jawaher bint Mohammed Al Qasimi, wife of the Sharjah Ruler, Chairperson of Sharjah Family and Community Council and UNHCR Eminent Advocate for Refugee Children.
According to Emirates News Agency, Konexio Africa’s win of the AED 500,000 award will help expand its operations and impact in vulnerable communities. The recognition honours the organization’s efforts in pioneering a humanitarian model based on education for employment, aimed at lifting refugees out of poverty in East Africa, particularly in Kenya, Malawi, and Uganda. Held at the Sharjah Book Authority (SBA) headquarters, the award ceremony opened with the UAE’s national anthem, followed by a short film about the award, which shed light on the SIARA’s legacy of celebrating innovative global efforts that have empowered refugees to achieve self-reliance.
Delivering the opening keynote, Alya Al Musaiebi, Director of TBHF, emphasized that everyone has a story worth hearing, but the real challenge is listening and responding. She mentioned that refugee stories test our values, ethics, and the principles of cooperation, solidarity, and human rights that underpin civilization. She highlighted Sharjah’s humanitarian vision centered on dignity as the basic standard for achieving success.
The ceremony introduced the SIARA 2025 jury panel, which received 790 nominations from global charities and organizations. Each submission was rigorously assessed against set criteria, focusing on humanitarian impact, sustainability, contribution to the lives of refugees and displaced people, and adherence to humanitarian principles and transparency. After the screening of a short film, Fabien de Castilla, Director of Konexio Africa, delivered a speech, highlighting that the SIARA Award honours not only Konexio Africa but also the more than 1,000 people trained and empowered across refugee camps and host communities in Africa.
H.H. Sheikh Dr. Sultan also witnessed a dialogue between Seth Mathias Sunya, Development Manager at Konexio Africa, and Fidel Mutuku, the organisation’s Operations Manager. During the discussion, moderated by radio presenter Abdul Karim Hanif, the speakers reflected on their experiences, achievements, and vision for the future inspired by this pioneering humanitarian effort.
During the session, Sunya emphasized the importance of building partnerships with local and international organizations and leveraging technology to connect and empower people. Mutuku outlined Konexio’s operations, highlighting success stories that have offered valuable insights and lessons. The Sharjah Ruler also watched the exclusive premiere of the trailer for The Big Heart Foundation’s second documentary, chronicling the story of Tumaini Letu, recipient of the SIARA 2020 award.
Konexio Africa was selected for its sustainable approach and clear impact in helping refugees achieve self-reliance through practical digital training that links education with income generation. The organization has trained over 8,000 refugees and vulnerable individuals in Kenya, Malawi, and Uganda, creating real job opportunities in the digital economy. This has raised the average monthly income from just one US dollar to around US$200, with employment rates reaching 90%.
Adding to the evening’s significance, TBHF also announced the opening of nominations for the tenth edition of the award in 2026, calling for continued support of impactful humanitarian and relief initiatives worldwide. The Sharjah International Award for Refugee Advocacy and Support aims to back practical humanitarian solutions that have proven effective on the ground. The opening ceremony was attended by several dignitaries and representatives of charitable organisations.