Big Heart launches ‘Back to School’ drive to help needy students

In a powerful reaffirmation of education as a fundamental human right, The Big Heart Foundation (TBHF), a global humanitarian organisation dedicated to supporting refugees and those in need around the world, has launched its annual “Back to School” campaign.

This supportive initiative focuses on ensuring resident students from low-income families attending ‘The Big Heart Educational Center’ in Sharjah are fully equipped and empowered to embrace the new academic year brimming with potential.

For a hands-on community experience, the public are also invited to the “Back-to-School” packing event at City Centre Al Zahia on August 21 running till August 31. Visitors can purchase a box and personally fill it with essential school supplies, directly connecting with the cause.

The Big Heart Educational Center

At the core of the campaign lies a commitment to offer a nurturing and empowering learning environment at ‘The Big Heart Educational Center’; established in 2019.

This unique institution serves as a haven for underprivileged children and youth, primarily addressing illiteracy and lack of educational access stemming from poverty and displacement within the region and beyond. This includes students from diverse backgrounds such as Syria, Comoros Islands, Pakistan, and other nationalities who face barriers to formal education and future employment.

An opportunity to make a difference

Individuals are invited to show their support and generosity with a donation of Dhs200, which provides a complete set of essential school supplies for one student. This includes a school backpack, pencil case, pack of pencils, pens, erasers, sharpeners, lined-paper notebooks, and a water bottle.

For those seeking deeper impact, sponsorship options include supporting a student’s educational journey for a month (Dhs500) or an entire year (Dhs7,000) or sponsoring a full classroom of 15 students for a year (Dhs105,000). Every contribution directly fuels a student's enthusiasm and ability to pursue their education.

Recognising the significant role of corporate social responsibility, TBHF also extends a special invitation to the corporate sector, and companies can integrate support into their CSR initiatives through flexible and engaging packages.

Options range from Dhs10,000, providing 15 supply kits plus full-year tuition for one student; to Dhs50,000, with 75 supply kits plus tuition for five students; with custom packages also available.

Empowering bright young minds

Commenting on the announcement, Alya Obaid Al Musaiebi, Director of TBHF, said: “The Big Heart Foundation firmly believes in the power of collective action, and with the community’s generous support for our ‘Back to School’ campaign, we can make a sustainable difference. Together, we empower these bright young minds at our Educational Center, removing barriers and providing the tools they need from resources to nurturing environments; so they can confidently pursue their dreams and achieve their utmost potential.”

Driven by the foundational belief that every young mind deserves the opportunity to learn and thrive, TBHF is dedicated to removing obstacles to education, and the “Back to School” campaign directly addresses the practical needs that can hinder a child’s educational journey. The Foundation invites the community and businesses to join hands in providing essential support, ensuring these students step into their classrooms prepared and confident.

Contributions can be conveniently made through multiple channels, including: The Big Heart Foundation’s official website (https://tbhf.ae/bts2025/?lang=ar) via SMS (https://bigh.appgain.io/ml/BtjfE/); through YallaGive (https://yallagive.com/en/campaign/Back-to-School-Campaign-42594); by bank transfer; 0011-430430-034 or by contacting the Foundation directly at +971 50 535 0152.

Every donation pathway is designed for ease and accessibility, ensuring the community can readily participate in this vital mission.

A recent report says that millions of young people continue to be excluded from the opportunities that allow them to fulfil their potential — not due to a lack of ambition, but because of war, displacement, poverty, and systemic inequality.

Young people make up over 42 per cent of the world’s population. Yet, in regions hardest hit by instability, climate disruption, and conflict, they remain underrepresented in development agendas.

The United Nations reports that over 267 million young people globally are not engaged in employment, education, or training, and refugee populations face significant barriers to accessing higher education.

This situation highlights a critical challenge in realising the potential of youth and ensuring inclusive and equitable access to learning opportunities.

It is within this reality that The Big Heart Foundation (TBHF) operates, providing a model of humanitarian intervention rooted in dignity, and long-term opportunity.