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Qatar Charity Hosts Fourth STEP Steering Committee Meeting in Doha to Support Refugees, IDPs

The Steering Committee of the Skills, Training, and Education Program (STEP) for Refugees, internally displaced persons (IDPs), and Host Communities in the member countries of the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) held its fourth meeting in Doha. Hosted by STEP's strategic partner, Qatar Charity (QC), the meeting was chaired by Mr. Syed Qadri, Director of Resilience and Climate Action at IsDB, and attended by STEP's Steering Committee members to evaluate the programs’ projects and progress. STEP is IsDB’s comprehensive and integrated initiative aimed at alleviating poverty and enhancing livelihoods for young refugees, IDPs, and vulnerable host communities in IsDB member countries (MCs). The program is tailored to augment access to education, facilitate skills development and nurture entrepreneurship incubators, as well as generate employment opportunities. Since its launch in 2022, the program achieved significant and tangible outcomes. By the end of 2027, it is expected to benefit 650,000 children and youth from refugees, IDPs, and host communities. At the opening session of the meeting, Mr. Nawaf Al-Hammadi, Chief Global Operations Officer at Qatar Charity, welcomed the members of the STEP Committee. He expressed his hope that the meeting would yield outcomes that positively impact refugees IDPs, and vulnerable host communities in IsDB member countries. Mr. Syed Qadri, Director of Resilience and Climate Action at IsDB, welcomed the Steering Committee members, noting that such regular meetings are key for evaluating STEP’s project progress and overall advancement. He expressed hope that the meeting would generate additional ideas that would lead to further improvements in STEP’s outcomes and the implementation of practical measures to advance its progress. Mr. Qadri also thanked Qatar Charity for its generous hospitality and hosting and organizing the meeting, emphasizing that these gatherings 'help deepen bonds and strengthen partnerships among us.' The meeting was attended by representatives from the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB), the Islamic Solidarity Fund for Development (ISFD), and Qatar Charity, along with strategic partners from the International Islamic Charity Organization (IICO), Sheikh Abdullah Al-Nouri Charity Society, Jusoor Foundation, Al Awn Foundation for Development, and SPARK. During the STEP Steering Committee meeting, participants reviewed ongoing projects and their progress, shared ideas and experiences, assessed the program's overall advancement and achievements, and approved new projects for the next phase. The meeting’s closing session presented the STEP Steering Committee’s key recommendations, including: attracting more strategic and funding partners to boost resources and sustainability; adopting policies to ensure diverse project selection for greater impact; enhancing monitoring and evaluation to improve efficiency and outcomes; focusing more projects on education; encouraging knowledge exchange among partners; tracking progress using key performance indicators; increasing visibility through media campaigns; maintaining a unified visual identity; and showcasing the program’s impact through regular reports and success stories.

01/05/2025

Qatar Charity Expands Economic Empowerment for Vulnerable Somali Families Through New Batch of Projects
A new group of vulnerable Somali families has expressed heartfelt gratitude and joy after receiving income-generating projects from Qatar Charity, made possible by the generous support of donors in Qatar. Beneficiaries said these projects are a turning point in their lives, offering them stable employment and helping them improve their living conditions. This initiative is part of Qatar Charity’s broader commitment to sustainable development and its continuous efforts to economically empower disadvantaged families. By enabling these families to establish their own sources of income, the projects help meet essential needs such as education, food, and healthcare. They also contribute to fostering social stability in local communities and reducing unemployment rates—particularly among women and youth, the most affected segments of Somali society. High-Impact Interventions The newly implemented batch included 33 small-scale projects: 5 shops for men’s clothing, 6 for women’s clothing, and 6 for grocery sales. In addition, 6 delivery vehicles, 8 three-wheeled auto-rickshaws ('rickshaws'), and 2 three-wheeled cargo motorcycles were distributed to families in need. These interventions are especially critical in Somalia, where over 7.8 million people suffer the impacts of poverty and prolonged drought. More than 3 million individuals live in displacement camps and struggle daily to secure their basic needs. Youth unemployment has reached an alarming 75%, further exacerbating the country’s economic challenges. Transforming Lives These projects are expected to bring meaningful change to the lives of beneficiaries. Hawa Ali Adam, who received a women’s clothing shop, shared her excitement: 'I’m deeply happy to have received this store. It will help me manage my financial responsibilities and move beyond hardship. I’m truly grateful to Qatar Charity for this life-changing opportunity.' Maryam Abdallah Mohamed added: 'I used to juggle multiple jobs just to make ends meet for my family. Today, I’ve been given a chance to pursue my dreams. I sincerely thank the kind people of Qatar for this generous support that has transformed my life.' Abdirahman Mohamed Hussein, who previously supported his family by renting a tuk-tuk from someone else, expressed his appreciation for receiving his own rickshaw: 'This gift marks a new beginning for me. I now have a stable source of income and can better provide for my family.' During the project distribution ceremony, Mr. Abdifatah Adam Maalim, Director of Qatar Charity’s Somalia Office, stated: 'We believe that sustainable development projects are the most effective way to improve the lives of vulnerable families. They foster self-reliance and ultimately contribute to greater social and economic stability.' It is worth noting that Qatar Charity implemented 73 economic empowerment projects last year alone, benefiting 1,944 individuals.
30/04/2025 More details  
Qatar Charity inaugurates education centers in Tanzania
Qatar Charity (QC), with the significant support of philanthropists in Qatar, has inaugurated two education centers in Tanzania. These initiatives are part of Qatar Charity’s efforts to implement high-impact projects that contribute to sustainable development in African communities. The centers are expected to benefit approximately 2,500 individuals. These projects address critical needs in densely populated areas, fostering community cohesion grounded in ethics. A new center was officially inaugurated on Unguja Island in Zanzibar, in the presence of representatives from the local community and the Office of the Mufti. Serving as a vital addition to the region’s infrastructure, the center comprises a mosque, a Quranic memorization school, and an imam’s residence, creating a fully integrated environment for worship and education. It is expected to benefit nearly 2,000 individuals. Another center was inaugurated in Mwanza, northern Tanzania, in the presence of senior officials and local Muslim scholars. Featuring a mosque and a Quranic memorization school, the center aims to facilitate worship and support over 70 children in memorizing the Holy Quran. It is expected to serve around 500 individuals, especially during the blessed month of Ramadan. Qatar Charity has built a strong track record in Tanzania, particularly on Zanzibar Island, where it has implemented or is currently carrying out more than 200 development projects. The number of sponsored individuals has also surpassed 500, including orphans, low-income families, people with special needs, students, and other vulnerable groups.
28/04/2025 More details  
Qatar Charity and UNHCR Provide Humanitarian Aid to Burkinabe Refugees in Ghana
As part of its active and effective role in addressing major humanitarian challenges faced by communities worldwide, Qatar Charity has launched a new relief intervention for refugees from Burkina Faso in the Kintampo Municipality of the Bono East Region in Ghana. This initiative was carried out in collaboration with the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) and the Ghana Refugee Board. The aid distribution, recently launched in the Ata Akura area of Bono East, included weather-resistant tents, water purification devices, solar lamps, and other essential emergency supplies aimed at improving living conditions for Burkinabe refugees. During the aid distribution ceremony, Engineer Hassan Odeh, Director of Qatar Charity in Ghana and Côte d'Ivoire, emphasized Qatar Charity’s commitment to supporting Ghana’s national development agenda through strategic partnerships. He highlighted the significance of the organization’s collaboration with UNHCR, which not only enhances refugee welfare but also brings benefits to host communities. He noted that the relief provided, especially the durable tents, serves as an immediate solution to ensure safe shelter during the rainy season, reinforcing the humanitarian commitment of Qatar Charity to vulnerable populations. Nida Jehu-Mazo, Head of UNHCR’s Office in Ghana, expressed gratitude to all parties that offered Burkinabe refugees a haven after fleeing their country in search of security. She stated: “In partnership with Qatar Charity, the Ghana Refugee Board, and other stakeholders, we have been able to provide essential relief supplies ahead of the rainy season. At the same time, we are working together to develop more sustainable solutions. She emphasized that this partnership aims, in the medium term, to promote self-reliance among Burkinabe refugees and the host communities. Ms. Jehu also reaffirmed UNHCR’s commitment to securing long-term shelter for refugees and highlighted ongoing strategic initiatives to ensure access to essential social services and livelihood opportunities. Among these is the Sustainable Refugee Agribusiness Response initiative, which seeks to empower both Burkinabe refugees and host communities in Bono East by facilitating access to farmland, investing in agricultural skills, and creating practical pathways to economic stability and income generation—ultimately reducing dependence on humanitarian aid. Several Burkinabe refugees in Ghana expressed appreciation for the critical aid provided by Qatar Charity and UNHCR, particularly the supplies that protect them from the heavy rain’s characteristic of the region’s tropical climate.
27/04/2025 More details  

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