Bali: H.H. Sheikh Sultan bin Ahmed bin Sultan Al Qasimi, Deputy Ruler of Sharjah and Humanitarian Envoy for The Big Heart Foundation, led a delegation from the Foundation on a visit to several charitable projects and initiatives in Bali, Indonesia. The purpose of the trip was to gain direct insight into the needs of local communities and to draw lessons from the experiences of organisations involved in education, empowerment, protection, and improving livelihoods.
According to Emirates News Agency, H.H. Sheikh Sultan bin Ahmed began his trip to Bali with the aim of establishing humanitarian and development partnerships based on an understanding of the needs and priorities of the communities. He used the expertise of local institutions to design interventions with sustainable impact. His first stop was the "Annika Linden Center," where he was introduced to the activities supporting people with disabilities and witnessed the creation and fitting of prosthetic limbs, which are provided free of charge to beneficiaries. His visit also included learning about orthotics, wheelchairs, physical therapy, educational programmes, and labour market integration initiatives.
Sheikh Sultan bin Ahmed also met with the center's staff and beneficiaries, discussing the impact of charitable aid in empowering individuals, promoting independence, and integrating them into society. He explored the skills acquired by participants, such as blow painting and handicrafts, which help reveal a child's nature and identify their way of thinking.
The Deputy Ruler of Sharjah then visited the "Bali Life Foundation," where he learned about its operational structure supporting children, women, and families facing difficult conditions. He reviewed initiatives aimed at improving young people's opportunities to gain life and vocational skills, and the foundation's efforts to provide women with stable economic opportunities.
His Highness received briefings on the challenges faced by these groups and the role of training, education, and economic empowerment in fostering self-reliance. He engaged with students and women in educational workshops, observing their training in handicrafts and skills like sewing and making handbags. The children of the foundation performed, showcasing their abilities and expressing gratitude for the support received, which aids in their education and talent development.
Sheikh Sultan bin Ahmed also visited SOS Children's Villages in Indonesia, an organisation offering family-based care and programmes to support at-risk families. He explored the computer lab, where members acquire digital skills, and the art studio, observing paintings and handicrafts produced by children. His visit to the "Family House" provided insights into a nurturing environment for children, where special mothers offer care and stability.
During his visits, H.H. Sheikh Sultan bin Ahmed listened to stories of challenges and successes shared by foundation members, highlighting the positive impact of care and programmes on their lives. These visits reflect an approach of understanding community needs, engaging with local expertise, and exploring various humanitarian models.
The Indonesia operation aligns with The Big Heart Foundation's strategic objectives, aiming to expand its network of humanitarian partnerships across South and Southeast Asia. This initiative is a major step in the strategy, establishing new partnerships in education, empowerment, protection, and livelihoods, extending the Foundation's impact to new communities.
Sheikh Sultan bin Ahmed was accompanied by a delegation including Sheikh Ali bin Abdullah bin Majid Al Qasimi, Dr. Issa Saif bin Hanzel, Khaled Al Huraimel, Mohammed Hassan Khalaf, Tariq Saeed Allay, Hassan Yaqoub Al Mansoori, Rashid Abdullah Al Obad, Mariam Al Hammadi, Hatem Mohamed Al Mosa, Ali Mohammed Al Khayal, Rosa Piro, and Abdullah Ibrahim Al Mulla.