SHARJAH: In line with the declaration of 2017 as the Year of Giving by President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, The Sharjah Media Corporation (SMC) is presenting a series of television programmes dedicated to supporting humanitarian issues locally and globally.

“Alam Wa Amal” (Pain and Hope) fosters a culture of community involvement in charitable issues to raise funds for the treatment of needy patients. The second programme, “Qawafel Al Khair” (Charity Convoy), telecasts the most important charity projects and humanitarian activities undertaken by the Sharjah Charity International (SCI) worldwide.

The third programme, “Al Reeh Al Mursalah” (The Blessed Wind) – a collaborative effort between the Sharjah Charity International in cooperation with Sharjah Radio – is aired during the month of Ramadan to raise funds, execute voluntary work and support people in need. 

Sheikh Sultan Bin Ahmed Al Qasimi, Chairman of Sharjah Media Corporation, said: “Inspired by the vision of His Highness Dr Sheikh Sultan Bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah, SMC’s mission goes beyond its role as a news broadcasting and advertising outfit to convey a humanitarian message that fosters the values of goodness, love and a spirit cooperation in the Emirati community.”

“The TV and radio media have always proved to be effective in conveying messages of needy people and have assisted the world in responding to their calls for help. SMC has not only reached out successfully to people in need in the UAE, but has alleviated the pain and suffering of many in need, worldwide,” Sheikh Al Qasimi added. 

The “Alam Wa Amal” show has already been able to help over 2,500 cases that were broadcast live, including 1,605 cases that were under air. The programme has been attracting widespread public attention, which has led to the creation of a vast base of viewers supporting the wellbeing of several needy patients.

The show, which was only aired by Sharjah TV, is now broadcast on Sharjah Radio, to be able to attain maximum outreach among both its viewers and listeners.

SMC is pressing ahead with its humanitarian efforts through the “Qawafel Al Khair” programme, which forged a partnership with SCI, by showcasing charity activities and projects carried out in many countries in the world. The programme monitors the generous initiatives undertaken by the SCI and its achievements, and has produced an impressive model of philanthropic and charity work.

The programme completed its second season in 2016, during which it visited several African countries, namely Niger, Burkina Faso, Senegal, Mauritania, while in the first season it visited a number of Asian countries, including Indonesia, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka and India. It attracted widespread public attention; and will continue to support humanitarian causes in its third season.

Salem Ali Al Ghaithi, Manager of Sharjah TV Programmes, said: “Alam Wa Amal has helped 2,500 local cases over the past years. These cases included chronic and intractable diseases, and urgent humanitarian cases, which the programme assisted with a team of professional healthcare providers, including doctors and specialists in different medical areas.”

Speaking about the “Qawafel Al Khair” programme, Al Ghaithi remarked: “This show reflects the strategic partnership between SMC and SCI. A number of urgent humanitarian cases have been handled successfully by them, which included health, educational and social aspects, in addition to projects dedicated to orphans, low-income people, widows and differently-abled persons.”

He added: “The Year of Giving will undoubtedly inspire us to exert concerted efforts to further strengthen the UAE’s position as a leading global player in the field of charity work. It will also help us cement effective partnerships between the media sector and humanitarian causes worldwide.”

“Al Reeh Al Mursalah”, which has also resulted from a strategic partnership between SMC and SCI, has had a significant impact on its viewers over the past seven years. A total of Dhs4 million were spent on the various projects the programme took up in 2016, revealing the significant philanthropic efforts and impact of the programme in strengthening the spirit of cooperation among individuals and organisations.

Hassan Yaqoub, Manager of SMC’s Radio Sector, said: “Through its 13 episodes that were broadcast in 2016, Al Reeh Al Mursalah carried out 12 charitable projects. The programme was able to provide support for medical conditions, setting up healthcare centres, digging wells, building classrooms and carrying out several other productive communitarian projects. We have also expanded the scope of these projects outside the UAE to include Cambodia, Tajikistan, Burkina Faso and the Philippines.”